End Times— putting the pieces in place by Sonny Bowman sbowman@life4square.com http://www.life4square.com/endtimes/ Original: 1990 Updated: August 12, 2013 Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. NKJV indicates quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. KJV indicates quotations taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Numbers associated with Greek (italic) or Hebrew (upright) words refer to the corresponding words in the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, by James Strong, S.T.D., LL.D. Please make copies of this book to give to your friends. Your comments and suggestion are also welcome. Thank you for helping others to understand the Bible teachings on the End Times. God bless you. Sonny Bowman

Table of Contents i

Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................ 1

The Importance of Understanding End Times ...................................................................... 2 Pieces to a Puzzle ................................................................................................................. 2 Interlocking Pieces in the End-Time Puzzle ......................................................................... 2 Events Are Not in Chronological Order ............................................................................... 3 Literal or Figurative? ............................................................................................................ 3 Using This Book to Study End Times .................................................................................. 4

Sign Posts Along the Way ........................................................................................ 5

Tribulation or Wrath? ................................................................................................ 6 The Great Tribulation ........................................................................................................... 6 The Wrath of God ................................................................................................................. 6 The Difference ...................................................................................................................... 6

Abomination of Desolation ....................................................................................... 7

The Great Tribulation ................................................................................................ 10 Summary............................................................................................................................... 11

The Beast and False Prophet ................................................................................... 13 Summary............................................................................................................................... 14

The Coming of Jesus ................................................................................................ 16 Summary............................................................................................................................... 17

The Rapture ................................................................................................................ 18 Summary............................................................................................................................... 20

The Wrath of God ...................................................................................................... 22 Summary............................................................................................................................... 22

Millennium .................................................................................................................. 24 Summary............................................................................................................................... 24

White Throne Judgment ........................................................................................... 26 Summary............................................................................................................................... 26

New Heaven and Earth .............................................................................................. 28 Summary............................................................................................................................... 28

Miscellaneous Information ....................................................................................... 30

Preparing for the End Times .................................................................................... 42

Chronological Relationships .................................................................................... 43 Time Line of End-Time Events ............................................................................................ 43 Assembled Puzzle Pieces ...................................................................................................... 44 Detailed Chronological List .................................................................................................. 45

Table of Contents ii

Interlocking Puzzle Pieces ....................................................................................... 47 Abomination of Desolation................................................................................................... 47 Signs in the Sun, Moon, and Stars ........................................................................................ 48 Great Multitude Before God’s Throne .................................................................................. 48 Satan Bound for 1,000 Years ................................................................................................ 49 Satan Loosed After 1,000 Years ........................................................................................... 49 Satan Thrown Into the Lake of Fire ...................................................................................... 49 The White Throne Judgment ................................................................................................ 50

The Seven Plagues Compared ................................................................................. 51

Signs in the Sun, Moon, and Stars .......................................................................... 55

Retelling in Revelation .............................................................................................. 57

Index ........................................................................................................................... 60

Introduction 1

Chapter 1

Introduction There are quite a few strange people running around with all kinds of theories about what will happen during the End Times.

These people love to talk about end-time events with anyone who will listen. Since I wrote this book, some people will probably think I am just another one of those persons with an unnatural interest in weird prophecies and theories. Actually, I am a somewhat conservative Christian who has largely tended to avoid the more spectacular and controversial teachings in the Bible. After all, there is plenty to keep me busy learning to love others as Jesus loves me.

As I have grown to love Jesus more, I have also grown to love and care for the people He died for (that’s all of us). As a result, I feel a responsibility and desire to share those things that I have learned in the hope that it will help others avoid the efforts of the enemy to deceive and destroy them and their loved ones.

In 1974, the Lord confronted my erroneous beliefs about end-time events. He taught me some things from His word that made End Times much easier to understand. Over the years, I have compiled some of that information to share with others. Recently, I have felt a desire to organize as much of that information as possible into a resource book that may be helpful to others who love Jesus.

The information in this book is compiled with four types of people in mind. For those people who desire only an overall view of the End Times, a chronological chart of end-time events is provided (see page 43). Charts and pictures are used in the book to help explain relationships between the various events (see pages 43 and Error! Bookmark not defined.). For those people who want general information on each of the end-time events, a general description of end-time events is provided at the beginning of most chapters. For people who want an end-time reference book that is easy and fast to use, an event summary is included at the end of many chapters, and a complete index is provided. Finally, for those who desire to study the End Times in detail, Scripture references are supplied throughout and detailed information on several topics is provided in the appendices. (Numbers used in word definitions refer to the Strong’s Concordance numbering system.) While the material in this book can be read straight through, it is primarily designed as a handy reference that provides easy and nearly complete access to end-time information. This book is divided into several major sections as follows.

Introduction and General Information. This section includes chapters one, two, and three. The information in these chapters provide background and other information that is helpful when studying end-time events.

Major End-Time Events. This section includes chapters four through twelve. Each chapter in this section provides detailed information on one of the major aspects of the End Times. The chapters are placed in chronological order based on the material covered.

Miscellaneous Information. This section (chapter thirteen) is a collection of information on various end-time issues. Specific details of some end-time issues and questions are explained in this chapter. The beginning of the chapter has a topical list (with page numbers) of the issues covered. The index can also be used to locate desired information.

Preparing for the End Times. This chapter addresses some basic issues necessary for preparing for the possibly soon beginning of the End Times.

Appendices. The appendices contain supporting details for several premises in this book. Page references are provided throughout the book directing you to these appendices where applicable.

Index. The index is a combination of two types of indices—concordance and topical. The concordance index lists all occurrences of the word or phrase. The topical index lists locations of topics. These two types of indices are combined for ease of use.

Introduction 2

The Importance of Understanding End Times

Why is it important to understand end-time events? Probably the most significant indication of the importance of understanding end-time events is simply that they are included in the Bible. If God did not consider them important, they would not be included in the Bible. Second, Jesus told us to watch for certain events related to the End Times and the apostle Matthew cautioned us specifically to understand the prophecy concerning the Abomination of Desolation (Mat. 24:15-27). Finally, failure to correctly understand end-time events can cause a Christian to be shaken in mind or troubled unnecessarily (2 Thes. 2:2-5). Some have even had their faith overthrown by incorrect teachings concerning end-time events (2 Tim. 2:17-18). A proper understanding of end-time events seems to be important for effective Christian living and service. Fortunately, as explained in this book, end-time events are not nearly as difficult to understand as some people think.

On the other hand, correct understanding of end-time events is not a requirement for salvation (Rom. 10:9-10). When the Lord returns for His people, He will gather them whether or not they think it is the correct time. If God’s people go through the Great Tribulation, then He will go with them and comfort them (Heb. 13:5-6; 2 Cor. 1:3-4; Ps. 23:4). As God was encouraging and strengthening the early Christians under Roman persecution, he will also strengthen and encourage each of us in persecutions we may suffer for His name.

Pieces to a Puzzle

Descriptions of various end-time events are scattered throughout the Bible. These descriptions provide significant, but incomplete information if they are viewed individually. The effect is similar to that of a box full of puzzle pieces. Individually, they convey important, but incomplete information. When assembled in the proper order, the overall picture becomes very clear.

Passages describing end-time events are similar to puzzle pieces scattered throughout the Bible. When an individual passage (i.e., piece of the puzzle) is studied, it is obviously important. However, it is sometimes difficult to understand how the pieces fit together.

With picture puzzles, the manufacturer provides clues called interlocking pieces. These clues must be studied along with the picture on the puzzle piece to determine which piece connects to which other pieces. As more pieces are linked together, the overall picture becomes clear and it begins to get easier to put the remaining pieces in their proper location. The Bible descriptions of end-time events are similar to a puzzle in this sense.

Too often, not enough end-time events are interlocked together to get a clear overall understanding of the End Times. That is part of the reason why there are so many theories about when Jesus will return to gather His people. Like the picture puzzle, as events are interlocked together it becomes easier to connect other pieces. As proper relationships between the individual pieces are established, the overall view becomes more clear.

Like puzzle manufacturers, God provided some interlocking pieces for establishing relationships between individual end-time events. These interlocking pieces are certain events that serve as reference points to other events. These interlocking events provide the keys necessary for putting the individual parts of the end-time picture together correctly.

As with assembling a puzzle, anyone who desires to understand End Times must concentrate first on putting the interlocking portions of the pieces together. These provide the information necessary to snap the pieces together in the proper order. After as many pieces as possible are snapped together, the overall picture is much clearer. This makes it easier to place the other pieces in their proper positions. So what are the interlocking parts that help make sense of end-time events?

Interlocking Pieces in the End-Time Puzzle

One of the more obvious and important interlocking pieces in the end-time puzzle involves certain signs in the sun, moon, and stars. According to Matthew 24:29-30, these signs occur immediately after the end of the Great Tribulation. In Isaiah 13:9-13, these signs occur immediately prior to the Wrath of God. In Revelation 6:12-17, these signs occur just before the 144,000 are sealed, a great multitude appears before the throne of God, and the Wrath of God begins. Since the signs in the sun, moon, and stars signal the end of the Great Tribulation, any events following those same signs must also occur after the Great Tribulation. This means that the sealing of the 144,000, the appearance of the great multitude in Heaven, and the Wrath of God must all occur after the end of the Great Tribulation.

The Great Tribulation precedes the signs in the sun, moon, and stars which occur before the Wrath of God. All events that are part of the Great Tribulation occur before the signs in the sun, moon, and stars. All events that are part of the Wrath of God occur after the signs in the sun, moon, and stars. Therefore, all events of the Great Tribulation must occur before any events of the Wrath of God. Unfortunately, some who teach about end-time events list the plagues of the Wrath of God as part of the Great Tribulation. This error has led to much confusion about the End Times. To clear this up, a definite distinction must be made between the events that occur during the Great Tribulation and those that occur during the Wrath of God. The following chapters in this book will cover each of these events in detail to help clarify the different events associated with each of the two time periods.

Introduction 3

Events Are Not in Chronological Order

When studying end-time events, it is essential to understand that the order in which events are described is not necessarily the order that they occur. Sometimes, certain events are described out of chronological sequence to emphasize or complete an important point. This is especially true in the Book of Revelation. For example, Revelation 11:7 describes the Beast killing the two witnesses. Revelation 13:1 describes the Beast when he first comes up out of the sea. If these passages were chronological, then the Beast killed the two witnesses before he comes up out of the sea. Apparently, the events recorded in Revelation 13:1 must occur before those recorded in Revelation 11:7. (See page 43 for a chronological list of end-time events. Also refer to page 57 for information on the chronological sequence of the chapters in the Book of Revelation.)

Literal or Figurative?

When studying end-time events, it is important to make a distinction between descriptions that appear to be literal and those that are obviously figurative. Literal prophecies will occur exactly as described. Figurative prophecies will also occur, but they may not be obvious on the surface. As a general guideline when studying end-time events, assume that all descriptions are literal unless the context insists upon a figurative understanding.

It is also important to distinguish between two types of literal descriptions. The first type of literal event includes descriptions of what will be observable on earth. For example, the Abomination of Desolation (Mat. 24:14), the signs in the sun, moon, and stars (Mat. 24:29), and the construction of an image of the Beast (Rev. 13: 14-15) are all literal events. All of these will be observable from an earthly vantage point.

The second type of literal event includes those that take place in the spiritual or heavenly realm. On the surface, these may appear to be symbolic since they describe strange events and creatures. Even though these are literal events, they will not necessarily be observed on earth exactly as described. Examples of these types of descriptions include the four creatures around the throne of God (Rev. 4:6-8) and the angels pouring out the bowls containing plagues (Rev. 15:6-8; 16:1). People on earth will not see the angels as they pour out the bowls, but they will see the results.

Examples of descriptions that appear to be figurative include: the harlot (probably representing all false religion, Rev. 17:1-6) and the wine and winepress representing God’s punishment of the ungodly during the Wrath of God (Rev. 14:9-10; 19:15). The exact interpretation of a figurative description is sometimes difficult to determine.

The Beast will probably be a literal person (see page 13). In Daniel, the organization or kingdom from which he comes is also figuratively described as a beast (Dan. 7:7-11). In this description, the Beast (i.e., the Antichrist) is described figuratively as a little horn that is part of this beast kingdom.

Problems develop when too many end-time events are thought to be symbolic. Problems also occur if all end-time descriptions are taken as literal. Generally, it is best to consider end-time descriptions as literal (either spiritual or observable on earth) unless the context definitely indicates that a figurative understanding is necessary.

It is important to remain open to other possible interpretations of end-time descriptions. Many of these events may occur in several different ways while still meeting the prophetic requirements. Often, prophecy is used to show us when we reach a certain point rather than to inform us of what to expect next. For example, the Abomination of Desolation is used to signal that the Great Tribulation has started rather than providing much information about what will happen (Mat. 24:15, 21). In Daniel’s day, these prophecies were sealed so that he could not understand them (Dan. 12:8-9) . However, as we get nearer to the time of the end, more will be opened to our understanding.

Introduction 4

Using This Book to Study End Times

Much of the information in the following chapters is presented in a consistent format to aid research and study of end-time events. A chapter will usually begin with an overall description of the covered event to aid in obtaining an overall understanding of the activity and significance of the event. Following the description, specific information related to the event is provided in the summary format shown below. This is most helpful when attempting to determine specific information about the event such as how long it lasts and what occurs prior to it. Several appendices are included in the back of this book to provide additional details on certain aspects of End Times for those who desire more details. Finally, an index is included for assistance in locating specific information.

The information format used to summarize the chapters covering major end-time events is as follows.

Summary

Term Definition: Provides a definition of the term or event.

Significance: Explains the major importance of this event.

Source: Explains who is behind the event or the cause of it.

Length: Explains the length of the event or period.

Events Prior: Lists events immediately preceding this event or time period.

Events: Explains the major events that take place as part of the event.

God During: Lists God’s activities during the event.

Christians During: Lists the activities and conditions of Christians during this event.

Satan During: Lists Satan’s activities during the event

Beast During: Lists the Beast’s activities during the event.

Non-Christians During: Lists activities and conditions of non-Christians during the event.

Events Following: Lists events immediately following this event or time period.

Scripture references: Bible passages related to this person, time, or event.

Sign Posts Along the Way 5

Chapter 2

Sign Posts Along the Way

Matthew 24:3 (NKJV) Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

In the Jewish Scriptures before the birth of Jesus (our Old Testament), there were many

prophecies about the coming Messiah (i.e., Jesus, the Christ). Some of those prophecies described the Messiah as coming to rid the earth of those who do not serve God. These prophecies described a kingly Messiah who was coming to conquer and reign. Other prophecies of the Messiah described His death in payment for our sins. These prophecies described a servant Messiah who would suffer at the hands of men.

Before the birth of Jesus, the Jewish people studied the messianic prophecies to understand what God would do. Many of these people often did not understand that the prophecies were talking about two separate comings of the Messiah. His first coming would be in a servant role to redeem man to God by suffering death on a cross (Isa. 52:13-15; 53:1-12). The second would be in a kingly role as a conqueror of all evil and the deliverer of God’s people (Jer. 23:5-6; Dan. 7:13-14). Unfortunately, many people only looked for the kingly Messiah who would deliver the Jewish people from the tyranny of Roman rule (Acts 1:6). Since the servant prophecies did not seem to fit this view of the Messiah, those prophecies were often ignored or misapplied.

As a result, when Jesus came, the people thought that He was the kingly Messiah who would set up God’s kingdom in Jerusalem. A few days before Passover, these people spread palm branches and clothes in the road to welcome their coming king (John 12:12-13). When Jesus failed to fulfill their understanding of the prophecies, these same people turned against Him, demanding His death (John 19:14-15).

The Jewish people made a common mistake when it comes to biblical prophecy. They thought that the primary purpose of prophecy was to describe what would happen in the future. They also added too many assumptions based upon their limited understanding of the prophecies. Even though the prophecies were fulfilled (to that point) exactly as given, many of the Jewish people did not recognize it because they were not fulfilled the way they expected. We must be careful to not make a similar mistake when studying end-time prophecies.

Throughout the Bible, God has provided many end-time prophecies for us. These prophecies serve two major purposes. First, when they come to pass, they assure us that God has everything under control (John 13:19; 14:29: 16:4). He is not surprised by the events taking place.

The second major purpose of these prophecies is to show us where we are in God’s plan. In this sense, prophecies are similar to city limit signs. When you reach the city limit sign for your destination, then you know where you are. Bible prophecies are not always intended to function as mileage signs. That is, they do not often tell us how far we have to go before we arrive. Instead, Bible prophecies often show us when we arrive at certain points in history.

For example, the Abomination of Desolation is a type of sign post that tells Christians when we are entering the Great Tribulation (Mat. 24:15,21). We will probably not know ahead of time when the Great Tribulation will start. However, when we see the Abomination of Desolation, we will know that the Great Tribulation has started. Therefore, the Gospel writer tells us that it is important to understand the prophecy about the Abomination of Desolation (Mat. 24:15). Besides serving to show us when we reach a certain point in history, this prophecy about the Abomination of Desolation also serves to assure us that God is not caught off guard by the works of the enemy.

When studying end-time prophecies, avoid the temptation to be too specific about how the prophecies will be fulfilled. Primarily, seek to understand enough about the prophecies to recognize them when they come to pass. If you do that, you will be least likely to miss these important sign posts provided by God.

Tribulation or Wrath? 6

Chapter 3

Tribulation or Wrath? 1 Thessalonians 3:4 (NKJV) For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 (NKJV) and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

As mentioned in the first chapter, all events of the Great Tribulation occur before any

events of the Wrath of God. Therefore, the first step necessary for understanding end-time events is to get a clear understanding of the difference between the Great Tribulation and Wrath of God. Unless this difference is clearly understood, it is virtually impossible to understand end-time events. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the major differences between the Great Tribulation and the Wrath of God. (Each of those time periods are covered in detail in following chapters.)

The Great Tribulation

An important clue to remember when studying end-time events is that the Great Tribulation is demonic in origin. It includes the persecution and killing of many people by Satan’s emissary—the Beast. The Beast (also called the Antichrist) will reign during the Great Tribulation. He will demand worship and conquer many countries. The Great Tribulation will be a time of intense evil. The source of the Great Tribulation is Satan (Rev. 13:2-4). Satan’s purpose for the Great Tribulation is to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). A major characteristic of the Great Tribulation is the deception of those who do not love the truth (2 Thes. 2:9-12).

The Wrath of God

The Wrath of God is godly judgment against evil. This judgment takes the form of seven plagues poured out against the Beast and those who worship him. These seven plagues are administered by the angels of God. The purpose of the Wrath of God is to punish the Beast and his followers (Rev. 14:9-10). The major characteristic of the Wrath of God is severe punishment of those who do not belong to God.

The Difference

The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of God are two separate events coming from two different sources for two different purposes. The Great Tribulation is a time of intense persecution. It is instigated by Satan through the Beast in an effort to deceive people and cause them to worship him instead of Jesus. The Wrath of God is a time of judgment which will be poured out upon the world by God. Its purpose is to punish the Beast and those who have taken his mark during the Great Tribulation.

The differences between the Great Tribulation and Wrath of God have been summarized in this chapter. More details about each of these time periods are given in later chapters.

Abomination of Desolation 7

Chapter 4

Abomination of Desolation Daniel 11:31 (NKJV) “And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation.

Understanding what the Bible says about the Abomination of Desolation is very important for understanding end-time events. According to Jesus, the Abomination of Desolation is the one event that will alert the people of God that the Great Tribulation has started.

Matthew 24:15, 21 (NKJV) “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 21 “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. All who read Matthew 24:15 are instructed to understand it. As explained in the Introduction (page 1), certain events in the

Bible are similar to interlocking puzzle pieces in that they provide important keys to the time relationship of other end-time events (also see page 47). The Abomination of Desolation is an important interlocking piece that marks the beginning of the Great Tribulation.

According to the passage in Matthew, the Abomination of Desolation is an event that is prophesied in the Old Testament Book of Daniel which was written in the late sixth century B.C. Daniel prophesies the following about the Abomination of Desolation.

Daniel 11:31 (NKJV) “And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. Daniel 8:9-14 (NKJV) And out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land. 10 And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them. 11 He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. 12 Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered. 13 Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who was speaking, “How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled under foot?” 14 And he said to me, “For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.” Daniel 12:11 (NKJV) “And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. Two of these passages in Daniel tell how long the Great Tribulation will last. Daniel 12:11 states that there will be 1290 days

after the Abomination of Desolation is set up. An extra 45 days are also mentioned that occur after the 1290, but their purpose is not explained (see Dan. 12:12). In Daniel 8:14 the length of time when the sanctuary and the host (people of God) are going to be trampled is given as 2,300 days in several translations. The Hebrew actually says 2,300 evenings and mornings instead of days (see other translations and the marginal notes in the NKJV translation). This may be equivalent to 1,150 days since one morning plus one evening adds up to one day. (Refer to page 47 for more information on the length of the Great Tribulation.) It is also possible that this passage (Dan. 8:14) refers to 2,300 days in a time period other than the Great Tribulation.

Since the Abomination of Desolation involves the holy place and the forced discontinuance of the daily sacrifices, the temple in Jerusalem may need to be rebuilt before this event takes place (Mat. 24:15; Dan. 11:31; 8:11). If such is the case, the Beast may be instrumental in the peace negotiations that open the way for the rebuilding the Jewish temple (Dan. 9:27). This would occur during a time when the Beast’s real nature is not as obvious. However, other ways of fulfilling this prophecy may be possible (see page 32). At this point, it is important to remain sensitive to the warnings of God and not miss the fulfillment of this prophecy, even if it takes place in a somewhat different manner than might be expected.

Abomination of Desolation 8

Summary

Definitions: The Bible does not clearly define the Abomination of Desolation. Apparently, it is something that is abominable in the eyes of God. Possibly, it refers to the Beast’s claim to be God, and his demand for worship. It may refer to a pagan altar or the sacrifice of something unclean (such as a pig) in worship to a false god. Even though it is not clearly defined, the Abomination of Desolation should be readily identified by its associated events (see following).

Events of the Abomination of Desolation: The Abomination of Desolation includes the Beast’s declaration that he is God, his demand for worship, and his stoppage of sacrifices to the true God. (see Dan. 8:11; 11:31, 36; 2 Thes. 2:3-4; Rev. 13:6, 7, 15). It will begin an intense time of persecution of God’s people (Mat. 24:15-22).

Significance of the Abomination of Desolation: Establishing the Abomination of Desolation will expose the Beast for who he is. It will also mark the beginning of the Great Tribulation (Mat. 24:15,21).

Source of the Abomination of Desolation: The Abomination of Desolation is established by the Beast under the authority of Satan—the dragon (see Rev. 13:2,4).

Length of the Abomination of Desolation: The length of the result of the Abomination of Desolation is 3½ years since it is in effect during the Great Tribulation (see Daniel 12:11, and page 34). However, the actual length of the specific act that is called the Abomination of Desolation is not given. The establishment of the Abomination of Desolation probably takes place in a single day.

Events Prior to the Abomination of Desolation: Prior to setting up the Abomination of Desolation, the Beast will be establishing his position of power, largely by deception and lies (see Dan. 8:9-10; 11:21-28). A period of relative peace may immediately precede the Abomination of Desolation.

Events Following the Abomination of Desolation: The Great Tribulation immediately follows the Abomination of Desolation (Mat. 24:15, 21).

God During the Abomination of Desolation: God’s activity during the establishment of the Abomination of Desolation is not directly spelled out in Scripture. Surely He will be alerting Christians to the significance of the event and instructing them on the appropriate action to take (Mat. 24:15-27).

Christians During the Abomination of Desolation: Christians should recognize the Abomination of Desolation as the primary sign that Jesus gave signaling the beginning of the Great Tribulation. For more information on Christians during the Great Tribulation, see page 33.

Satan During the Abomination of Desolation: Satan empowers and directs the Beast (Rev. 13:2,4; 2 Thes. 2:9).

Beast During the Abomination of Desolation: The Beast establishes the Abomination of Desolation and begins persecuting those who serve God (Rev. 13:7).

Non-Christians During the Abomination of Desolation: Non-Christians will be corrupted with the Beast’s flatteries and be deceived. They will join with him in his persecution of those who desire to serve the true God (Dan. 11:32; Rev. 13:14). These people will be awed by the power of the Beast and Satan, and they will worship both of them (Rev. 13:3-4).

Scripture references for the Abomination of Desolation: Dan. 8:9-14, 17; Dan. 9:27; Dan. 11:21-36; Dan. 12:11; Mat. 24:15-27; Mark 13:14; 19; 2 Thes. 2:3-4, 9; Rev. 13:2-7, 11-15.

Historical Background A possible partial fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy of the Abomination of Desolation was accomplished over 160 years

before the birth of Jesus. Apparently, this was not a complete fulfillment since Jesus warned of a future Abomination of Desolation in Matthew 24:15. This earlier partial fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy is recorded in the apocryphal books of 1 and 2 Maccabees. These two books record historical events during part of the time period between the writing of the last Old Testament book and the birth of Jesus. In their titles, Maccabee (meaning the Hamerer) was the name applied to a family of Jews who led the revolt against the Syrians.

These apocryphal books and Josephus record a time in 167 B.C. when Antiochus IV (Epiphanes), king of Syria erected an idolatrous altar on God’s altar in the temple in Jerusalem. He sacrificed a pig to Jupiter Olympus [Zeus] on his altar. This was an abomination to the Jews. Antiochus also forbade Jews to engage in sacrifices, rites, feasts, circumcision, and worship of any kind. This was apparently a partial fulfillment of Daniel’s prophesied cessation of the sacrifices.

The Jewish revolt began in 167 B.C., when a Jewish man sacrificed to Zeus under coercion by a Syrian officer. A priest named Mattathias witnessed the event. Mattathias killed both the Jew and the Syrian officer and called for all faithful Jews to

Abomination of Desolation 9

follow him. They fled to the hills outside Jerusalem. There, he and his sons organized for war against the Syrians. In 164 B.C., the armies under Mattathias’ sons swept over Jerusalem, defeated the Syrian army, and secured the city. The Syrian leaders were forced to repeal their ordinances against worship in Israel. The temple was formally cleansed in December of 164 B.C. The Jews celebrated the dedication for eight days. Since that time, the Festival of Dedication (also called the Festival of Lights and Hanukkah) is celebrated by Jews each year, usually in December. This event includes lighting of the menorah to commemorate the cleansing and dedication of the temple. According to Jesus, there will be a further fulfillment of the prophesied Abomination of Desolation that will take place in the last days (Mat. 24:15-21).

Historical insights Certain insights from the partial fulfillment of this prophecy about the Abomination of Desolation may be helpful in seeking

to understand the future complete fulfillment. For example, in 167 B.C., when the Jews fled to the surrounding hills, it was to organize for war, not to tremble in fear. Jerusalem became a stronghold of the enemy, so the people went to an area over which the enemy had less control. In a similar manner, when Jesus tells His disciples (now called Christians, Acts 11:26) to flee to the wilderness at the start of the Great Tribulation, it will be for purposes of consolidating forces and preparing for war against the Beast and his forces (Mat. 24:3, 15-21; Dan. 11:32-33). This does not necessarily mean that all Christians around the world will have to flee to the wilderness.

The warfare that the Jews waged against the Syrians may be a parallel of the war that Christians will wage against the Beast during the Great Tribulation. It may also be significant that after about three years, the Jews under the Maccabees overcame the Syrians and proper worship was reestablished. This is a length of time similar to the 3½ years of the Great Tribulation.

The Great Tribulation 10

Chapter 5

The Great Tribulation Revelation 13:15-16 (NKJV) He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads,

In chapter 24 of Matthew, Jesus described the Great Tribulation. He said it will be a time of

deception with false christs and false prophets (Mat. 24:4-5,11,23-24). It will also be a time when believers will be persecuted severely and hated (Mat. 24:9-11). Lawlessness will increase. As a result, many people’s love for the Lord will grow cold, leading them to fall away from the faith (Mat. 24:12-13). Satan will do his best to deceive people during the Great Tribulation and will empower the Beast to persecute and deceive people. There will be many false signs and wonders which will be used in an attempt to deceive the elect (i.e. Christians—the chosen ones of God, see page 30) (Mat. 24: 24).

This time of great tribulation will be characterized by greatly increased demonic activity led by the one called the Antichrist or the Beast. The word antichrist is found in only four Scripture verses and refers to one of many antichrists in the world (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; and 2 John 7). It refers to an individual or spirit who is against Christ or one who denies the Father and the Son (1 John 2:22).

During the time of the Great Tribulation there will be one particular individual who will attempt to take the place of Jesus as King on this earth. This individual is called the man of lawlessness (2 Thes. 2:3-10) and the Beast (Rev. 13:1, 4, 12-14). As the antichrist of all antichrists, the Beast is the Antichrist. According to chapter 13 in Revelation, the Beast and his forces will be the major cause of persecution during the Great Tribulation (see page 13). The Great Tribulation will begin when the Beast sets up the Abomination of Desolation (see page 7).

The important thing to understand is that the Great Tribulation is a time of intense persecution and trouble instigated by the Beast and his forces. The ultimate source of the trouble is Satan (Rev. 13:2, 4). A major purpose of the persecutions and trouble is to cause people to fall away from the Lord Jesus. (Rev. 13:4, 17). It will be an intensification of Satan’s continuing efforts to kill, steal, and destroy (Jn. 10:10). God is not the cause of any of the persecutions arising during the Great Tribulation.

The Beast will be assisted by the False Prophet (see page 13). The False Prophet will make an image of the Beast (Rev. 13:14). To deceive people into worshipping the Beast and his image, the False Prophet will perform signs and miracles and even cause the image to come to life. He will even be able to call down fire from heaven (i.e., the sky) (Rev. 13:13). This is something that Satan’s servants could not do in the past (1 Kings 18:22-29). Anyone who refuses to worship the Beast or his image will be killed (Rev. 13:15).

Many people will be killed during the Great Tribulation. This includes some of those who belong to God (Dan. 11:32-35; Rev. 13:8). However, those who know God and understand what is going on will oppose the Beast and teach others the truth (Dan. 11:32-33). Some protection will be provided by God for at least some of His people (Dan. 11:34; Rev. 12: 6, 13-17). However, many will pay the ultimate price in their service to God (Dan. 11:35). Historically, Christianity is always purified and strengthened by persecution (Dan. 12:10).

The reign of the Beast (and thus the length of the Great Tribulation) is limited to 3½ years. At the end of the Great Tribulation, the reign of the Beast will be brought to a sudden end by the return of Jesus (Mat. 24:29-31; 2 Thes. 2:8). At that time, Jesus will gather His people from the earth (i.e., the Rapture, Mat. 24:31). The Beast, False Prophet, and those who followed them will be left on the earth to suffer during the seven plagues of the Wrath of God that follow the Great Tribulation (see page 22).

As in the past, the intensity of persecution will probably vary with geographic areas. For example, during the first century, Christians in Rome suffered greater persecution than those in more remote areas. Persecution during the Great Tribulation will probably be the most severe in those locations most tightly controlled by the Beast. Persecution will probably be less severe in areas where the Beast has less control. Possibly that is why Jesus said to leave the cities (Mat. 24:15-21).

It is also probable that the persecution will increase as the Great Tribulation progresses and the Beast’s influence spreads. Those Christians who are physically near the Abomination of Desolation when it is established will have to flee immediately (Mat. 24:15-16). Those who are in other parts of the world may have a little more time to react to the Beast’s actions. However,

The Great Tribulation 11

intense persecution may begin immediately after the Abomination of Desolation in all regions—so Christians must always be alert and ready to take necessary action.

God will provide some form of supernatural protection for some of His people (Rev. 12:6,13-17; Dan. 11:34). This protection may be that described in Psalm 91. The length of the Great Tribulation has also been shortened for the benefit of Christians (Mat. 24:21-22). However, not all of God’s people are protected from the persecutions during the Great Tribulation (Rev. 12:17; 13:7). No matter what comes against you, be assured that nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Jesus (Rom. 8:35-39; Heb. 13:5-6; Mat. 28:20).

Summary

Term Definition: The term great tribulation is used in only three Scriptures (Mat. 24:21, Rev. 2:22, and 7:14). In Matthew 24:21, Jesus warns that “there will be a great tribulation.” In Revelation 2:22 there is a warning that those who commit fornication with “Jezebel” will be cast “into great tribulation.” In Revelation 7:9-14 the great multitude from all nations who are standing before the throne of God are those who have come “out of the great tribulation.” The Greek word for tribulation (Strong’s #2347 , thlipsis) means pressure, either literally or figuratively. This word has been translated in various Bible passages as affliction, anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, and trouble. From the meaning of the word it is evident that the Great Tribulation will be a time of great persecution, affliction, and trouble.

Significance of the Great Tribulation: The Great Tribulation is a time when Satan will do his worst to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). For people of the world, it will seem to be a time of victory against God and against those who serve him.

Source of the Great Tribulation: Satan is the source of the Great Tribulation. Primarily, he uses the Beast (the Antichrist) as his instrument of deception and destruction (Rev. 13:2-4). God is not the cause of the Great Tribulation. (However, God may release authority for Satan to do his worst in a similar manner to that described in Job 1:8-12 and 2:3-6. This may be alluded to in 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8, Revelation 6:1-8, Revelation 13:5-8, Matthew 24:21-22, and Daniel 8:12-13.)

Length of the Great Tribulation: The Great Tribulation lasts 3½ years. This 3½ year length is specified as 42 months, 1260 days, and as a time, times, and half a time (see page 34).

Events Prior to the Great Tribulation: Immediately prior to the start of the Great Tribulation, the Abomination of Desolation will be set up (see page 7). Jesus instructs Christians that the Abomination of Desolation is the primary indication that the Great Tribulation has started (Mat. 24:15, 21).

Events of the Great Tribulation: The Great Tribulation is primarily characterized by the reign of the Beast. It will be a time of intense persecution of all people, especially those who belong to God. All that is evil will be unleashed in one last dying effort to strike out at God and the people He loves. People cannot buy or sell in the Beast controlled markets without obtaining the mark of the Beast (i.e., 666, Rev. 13:16-18; see page 37).

God During the Great Tribulation: God will send a strong delusion upon those that do not love the truth causing them to believe the lies of Satan and the Beast (2 Thes. 2:9-12). God will be caring for His people as always, even though many will be martyred for their faith (Dan. 11:33-35). He will provide a place of protection in the wilderness for those who heed Jesus’ instructions to flee from the cities (Rev. 12:6, 13-16; Mat 24:15-21). At the end of the Great Tribulation, Jesus will return to cut off the persecutions by gathering His people from the earth (Mat. 24:21-22, 29-31; 2 Thes. 1:6-8; 2 Thes. 2:8).

Christians During the Great Tribulation: The people who know their God will strongly oppose the Beast and do great exploits (Dan. 11:32). Some Christians will be killed during the Great Tribulation (Dan. 11:33-35). However, many will flee to the protection of the place in the wilderness that God has prepared for them (Rev. 12:6, 13-16).

Satan During the Great Tribulation: Satan (the dragon) will give the Antichrist (the Beast) great authority during the Great Tribulation (Rev. 13:4-5).

Beast During the Great Tribulation: The Beast will exalt himself and claim to be God (Dan. 11:36; 2 Thes. 2:4). He will blaspheme the true God (Rev. 13:6). He will also make war with the people of God (Rev. 13:7).

The Great Tribulation 12

Non-Christians During the Great Tribulation: Non-Christians will be corrupted with the Beast’s flatteries and be deceived (Dan. 11:32; Rev. 13:14). They will join with him in his persecution of those who desire to serve the true God (Dan. 11:32; Rev. 13:14). These people will be awed by the power of the Beast and Satan and will worship both of them (Rev. 13:3-4). All people who do not belong to God will worship the Beast (Rev. 13:8).

Events Following the Great Tribulation: At the end of the Great Tribulation, certain signs will be seen in the sun, moon, and stars. Jesus will return to gather the Christians (i.e., the Rapture) and the Wrath of God will be poured out on the Beast and those who served him. (See Mat. 24:29-31 and Rev. 6:12-17.)

Scripture references for the Great Tribulation: Mat. 24:4-5, 9-24, 29-31; Mark 13:14-20; 2 Thes. 2:3-12; 1 Jn. 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 Jn. 7; Rev. 7:14; Rev. 12:6, 13-17; Rev. 13:1-18; Dan. 7:25; Dan. 8:11-14; Dan. 11:28-36; Dan. 12:6-7, 11-12

The Beast and False Prophet 13

Chapter 6

The Beast and False Prophet Revelation 13:1-2 (NKJV) Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.

The Beast and False Prophet are the two primary causes of persecution during the Great Tribulation (see page 10). The Beast is sometimes called the Antichrist. In the Book of Daniel, he is referred to as a little horn. The Beast is probably an individual, but he may be an organization or system. Daniel 7:7-11 describes a beastly kingdom in which several rulers are depicted as horns. One of these rulers (horns) excels the others and becomes the Beast. The False Prophet is an associate of the Beast.

The Great Tribulation begins when the Beast establishes the Abomination of Desolation (see page 7). Prior to this time, the Beast will be advancing in position and power in preparation for his activities during the Great Tribulation. The Beast’s power and authority is granted to him by Satan (the dragon, Rev. 13:2-4).

Until the Abomination of Desolation, the Beast may not be readily identified for who he is. One possible advance clue is that the Beast will suffer some kind of physical, political, or other fatal wound to the head (Rev. 13:3). This temporarily knocks the Beast out of commission according to Revelation 17:8, “The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit ... the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.” It seems that this wound occurs before the Great Tribulation.

When the Beast sets up the Abomination of Desolation, his identity and purpose will be exposed to those who heed the Gospel writer’s warning to understand Daniel’s prophecy (Mat. 24:15). At that time he will blaspheme the true God and declare that he (the Beast) is God. He will intensely persecute and kill those who oppose him fulfilling the prophesied Great Tribulation.

During the reign of the Beast during the Great Tribulation, the False Prophet will perform signs and wonders to deceive people (Rev. 13:13-14). He will also make an image of the Beast which he will bring to life. Those who refuse to worship the image of the Beast will be killed (Rev. 13:15).

The False Prophet will also institute a special mark often called the mark of the Beast (Rev. 13:16-18). People will not be able to buy or sell in the economies controlled by the Beast without the identifying mark in their hand or forehead. Apparently, this mark is only given to those who are willing to worship the Beast or his image. All who take the mark will suffer severe punishment during the Wrath of God (Rev. 14:9-11, see page 22).

Some Christians and possibly some non-Christian nations will oppose the Beast (Dan. 11:32-35). Some who oppose him will be killed. Many nations, including Israel and Egypt, will be conquered by the Beast. Some, including Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon, will escape his efforts (Dan. 11:41-43).

The main purpose of the Beast will be the same as Satan’s—to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). His rantings and ravings against the true God and God’s people will be particularly intense during the majority of the Great Tribulation.

For the entire 3½ years of the Great Tribulation, things will seem to go well for the Beast. Many will believe that the Beast and Satan are unconquerable (Rev. 13:3-4). Suddenly, his reign will be brought to an end by the coming of Jesus (2 Thes. 2:8). At that time, the people of God will be gathered from the earth and the people left behind (i.e., those who do not belong to God) will mourn because of the coming Wrath of God (Mat. 24:30-31; Rev. 6:15-17).

During the Wrath of God, the Beast will suffer along with the other people on earth (Rev. 16:10-11). Between the sixth and seventh plagues, the Beast will attack and kill the two witnesses of God (Rev. 11:7-14). There will be much rejoicing over the death of the two witnesses. The people probably will think that the death of these two witnesses will bring an end to the severe plagues of God’s wrath. Three and a half days after the two witnesses are killed, they will be brought back to life and called up to Heaven.

Also prior to the last plague of the Wrath of God, the Beast will gather the people of the earth together at Armaggedon for battle against God (Rev. 16:14-21; 19:17-21; see page 37). Apparently, it will not be much of a battle. After this, the final plague of the Wrath of God will fall (Rev. 11:14-19; 16:13-21). The Beast and False Prophet will be thrown into the lake of fire where they will remain forever (Rev. 19:20).

The Beast and False Prophet 14

Summary

Term Definition: The Beast refers to the individual or government that is empowered by Satan during the Great Tribulation (Rev. 13:1-8). He is also called the Antichrist (1 John 2:18; 4:3), the little horn (Dan. 7:8; 8:9-11), the lawless one, and the son of perdition (2 Thes. 2:3,8). The False Prophet refers to an individual who assists the Beast, performs false signs, and demands that people worship an image he makes of the Beast (Rev. 13:11-17; 20:20). He is also called a beast and is demon possessed (Rev. 13:11; 16:13-14).

Significance of the Beast: The Beast is the earthly source of the persecutions and problems of the Great Tribulation. His activities will produce great problems for God’s people on the earth.

Source of the Beast: The Beast comes out of the bottomless pit (in the sea?) (Rev. 11:7; 13:1). His source of power is Satan (2 Thes. 2:9; Rev. 13:2,4) through a demon that dwells in him (Rev. 16:13-14).

Length of the Beast’s Activity: The Beast has authority to act with blasphemy for 42 months during the Great Tribulation (i.e., 3½ years, Rev. 13:5). The Beast is active before the beginning of the Great Tribulation as he maneuvers himself into a position of power and authority, but the total length of time is not specified (Dan. 11:21-31). He also suffers punishment after the Great Tribulation during the plagues of the Wrath of God (Rev. 16:10-11). Finally, the Beast and the False Prophet gather the people against Jesus for battle at Armageddon where they are defeated and cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 16:13-16; 19:19-20).

Events Prior to the Beast’s Activity: Since the Beast’s primary activity occurs during the Great Tribulation, all events that precede the Great Tribulation also precede his primary activity. Before the start of the Great Tribulation, the Beast will work to obtain a position of authority and power (Dan. 11:21-31). When the time is right, he will set up the Abomination of Desolation (see page 7). This is the primary identifying event for the Beast and the start of the Great Tribulation (Mat. 24:15, 21).

Events Associated with the Beast: The Great Tribulation is primarily a result of the persecutions, blasphemies, and wars of the Beast. A few events are associated with him during the Wrath of God, but that is a time when he is suffering from the plagues of God’s wrath rather than functioning from a position of power.

God During the Beast’s Activity: God is not the source of the troubles during the Beast’s reign and the Great Tribulation. He will provide some assistance to those who are persecuted by the Beast during that time (Dan 11:33-34; Rev. 12:6, 13-16). Jesus will rescue His people from the Beast and bring an end to the Beast’s reign when He cuts the Great Tribulation short by gathering His people (Mat. 24:21-22, 29-31; 2 Thes. 1:6-8; 2:8).

Christians During the Beast’s Activity: Christians will oppose the Beast and explain to many other people the meaning of certain end-time events (Dan. 11:32-35). Christians will suffer the worst persecution that has ever been launched against God’s people (Mat. 24:15-22, Dan. 7:25; Rev 13:7). Some will lose their lives (Dan. 11:33-35; Rev. 13:7-8), yet many will find a place of protection provided by the Lord (Dan. 11:34; Rev. 12:6, 13-16).

Satan During the Beast’s Activity: Satan is the primary source of power for the Beast (Rev. 13:2-4).

Non-Christians During the Beast’s Activity: Some non-Christians will apparently falsely claim to be Christians in an attempt to join with the people of God (Dan 11:34). Many people will worship Satan (the dragon) because of the great authority he gives the Beast (Rev. 13:4). They will be required to worship an image of the Beast and to take a mark in their hand or forehead (Rev. 13:15-18). Because of their lack of love for the truth they will be easily deceived by the Beast and False Prophet (2 The. 2:9-12; Rev. 13:14). The people of Edom, Moab, and Ammon will escape the attacks of the Beast (Dan. 11:41).

Events Following the Beast’s Activity: Since the Beast’s primary activity occurs during the Great Tribulation, all events that follow the Great Tribulation also follow his primary activity. After the Great Tribulation, certain signs will be seen in the sun, moon, and stars (see page 55) and Jesus will return to gather the church (see page 16). After those events, the Wrath of God will be poured out on the Beast and all who followed him (Rev. 14:9-11; 16:10). Eventually, the Beast and False Prophet will be thrown alive into the lake of fire (Rev. 19:20).

The Beast and False Prophet 15

Scripture references for the Beast and the False Prophet: Mat 24:15, 21; 2 The. 2:1-12; 1 Jn. 2:18, 22; 1 Jn. 4:3; 2 John 1:7; Rev. 13:1-8, 11-18; Rev. 16:10-11; Rev. 17:3-14; Rev. 19:19-20; Rev. 20:20; Rev. 14:9-11; Rev. 11:7-14; Rev. 16:13-21; Dan. 7:7-8, 11, 19-27; Dan. 8:9-14, 23-26; Dan. 11:21-45

The Coming of Jesus 16

Chapter 7

The Coming of Jesus Revelation 1:7 (NKJV) Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

Jesus promised that He will come again for us (John 14:2-3). The first time that Jesus came, He was born as a child in Bethlehem (Mat. 2:1). After He died the death we deserved on a cross, He was raised from the dead and returned to the Father (1 Cor. 15:3-4; Jn. 14:28). Jesus’ first coming was as a servant to die for mankind (Isa 52:13-15; 53:1-12; Phil. 2:5-8; Rom. 5:8). When He comes again, it will be as King and Judge (Jer 23:5-6; Dan. 7:13-14; Rev. 19:11-16).

Sometimes, people call this return (as King and Judge) the second coming of Jesus. However, there is some confusion about what that term means. Some people use second coming to refer to the promised coming of Jesus when He gathers the Church (i.e., the Rapture). However, others use second coming to refer to the time when Jesus begins to reign on earth from Jerusalem during the Millennium. Apparently, they reason that this is when He actually comes to earth while the passages referring to the Rapture do not show Jesus coming all the way to the earth. (This is a questionable conclusion since Jesus comes to earth to wage war with the Beast and his armies during the Wrath of God at least five months before He begins His millennial reign, see Rev. 14:1; Rev. 19:11-21; Rev. 20:1-4 and pages 22 and 24.)

Some definitions of the second coming are obviously inaccurate. For example, according to The Random House College Dictionary (Revised Edition, 1980, p. 1188), Second Coming is defined as, “the coming of Christ on Judgment Day. Also called Second Advent.” The Judgment Day is defined as, “the day of the Last Judgment; doomsday.” From these definitions, the second coming of Jesus would take place at the Great White Throne Judgment (see page 26). That would place Jesus’ second coming after the Millennium. This is not an acceptable definition since the Bible clearly shows that Jesus comes back long before the Great White Throne Judgment.

Since the term second coming is not used in the Bible, there is no authoritative definition to clarify what this term means. However, since the Bible does say Jesus will come at the Rapture of the Church and this will technically be the second time He comes, it is probably more accurate to use the term second coming when referring to the coming of Jesus for His people. This will also be the time when he comes in judgment against the Beast and his followers (2 Thes. 1:6-10). However, to avoid potential confusion, I will refrain from using second coming in this book when referring to end-time events.

Scripturally, the coming of Jesus precipitates several events. First, non-Christians will see Jesus and will mourn because of the coming punishment (Mat. 24:29-30; Rev. 6:12-17). Next, Jesus will gather His people from all the earth (Mat. 24:31; 1 Thes. 4:13-17). Finally, Jesus will bring an end to the reign of the Beast and a beginning of punishment upon the Beast and those who worship him (2 Thes. 1:6-10; 2:8; Rev. 14:9-11; 14:14-20). This punishment is called the Wrath of God in the Bible (see page 22).

The coming of Jesus takes place immediately after the Great Tribulation (Mat. 24:21,29-30). This means that the Rapture will also take place immediately after the Great Tribulation (Mat. 24:31). The coming of Jesus also takes place before the Wrath of God (Rev. 14:14-20).

When Jesus comes, He will bring God’s judgment (i.e., wrath) on the people as in the days of Noah (Mat. 24:36-39). When the flood waters came, all who were outside Noah’s ark died (Gen. 7:21-23). Once the ark door was closed, all opportunity for salvation was lost to those outside. When Jesus comes, all opportunity for the salvation of those who do not belong to Him will be lost (Rev. 9:20-21; 16:9, 11).

The Coming of Jesus 17

Summary

Term Definition: The Coming of Jesus refers to the time when Jesus comes to gather His people and begin the Wrath of God (Mat. 24:30-31; Rev. 14:14-20; 1 Thes. 4:15-17, 2 Thes. 1:6-10).

Significance of the Coming of Jesus: The coming of Jesus is very significant in that it marks the end of suffering for Christians during the Great Tribulation (Mat. 24:29-31; 2 Thes. 1:6-10). It also marks the end of mortal life for all Christians (1 Cor. 15:50-52). For the Beast and non-Christians, the coming of Jesus marks the end of their reign on earth and the beginning of the judgment poured out on them during the Wrath of God (2 Thes. 2:8; Rev. 14:17-20).

Source of the Coming of Jesus: Jesus is the One who comes.

Length of the Coming of Jesus: The exact length of the coming of Jesus is not given in Scripture. However, it appears to occur in a very short time, possibly less than a second (1 Cor 15:51-52). The results of His coming will last for eternity.

Events Prior to the Coming of Jesus: The coming of Jesus (and the Rapture) will not occur until after there is a major falling away of believers (see Mat. 24:12; 1 Tim. 4:1-3) and the Beast is revealed (2 Thes. 2:1-4). The Beast is revealed for who he is when he establishes the Abomination of Desolation (see page 7). Therefore, the Coming of Jesus will not occur until sometime after the Abomination of Desolation is established. Scriptures demonstrate that the coming of Jesus occurs after the 3½ year Great Tribulation and before the Wrath of God (see beginning of this chapter, the appendix beginning on page 43, and page 34).

Events of the Coming of Jesus: Christians will be raptured and the Wrath of God will begin when Jesus comes (Mat. 24:30-31; Rev. 14:14-20; 2 Thes. 1:6-10).

God During the Coming of Jesus: Jesus will be very active as He returns to gather His Church and punish the Beast and those who followed the Beast (Mat. 24:29-31; Rev. 14:14-20; 19:11-21).

Christians During the Coming of Jesus: Christians are removed from the earth and taken to Heaven (i.e., before the throne, Rev. 7:9-17; Mat. 24:29-31). There will be 144,000 people sealed to protect them from the plagues of God’s Wrath (Rev. 7:1-8). It appears that the 144,000 participate in the outpouring of God’s wrath against the Beast and his followers (Rev. 14:1-4; Rev. 19:14-15).

Satan During the Coming of Jesus: Scripture does not indicate what Satan is doing during the coming of Jesus.

Beast During the Coming of Jesus: Scripture does not indicate what the Beast is doing during the coming of Jesus. The coming of Jesus marks the beginning of God’s judgment on the Beast (2 Thes. 1:6-9; 2:8; Rev. 14:7-11; Rev. 19:11-21).

Non-Christians During the Coming of Jesus: When Jesus comes back to gather the Christians, His return will be as visible as the lightning that lights up the entire sky (Mat. 24:27). The non-Christians will see Jesus and great fear will come upon them. They will seek to hide from the anger of the Lord (Mat. 24: 30; Rev. 6:15-17).

Events Following the Coming of Jesus: When Jesus comes, 144,000 people of God are sealed to protect them from the Wrath of God (Rev. 7:1-8). Christians are removed from the earth and appear before God’s throne in Heaven (Mat. 24:30-31; Rev. 7:9-17). After these events, the seven plagues of the Wrath of God are poured out on the Beast and those people who were not removed from the earth (i.e., the non-Christians) (Rev. 8:1 through 11:19).

Scripture references for Coming of Jesus: Mat. 24:12, 23-31; Mat. 13:36-43; Mat. 13:47-50; Mat. 16:27; Mat. 24:36-51; Mat. 25:13, 31; Mat. 26:64; Mark 13:21-27; Mark 13:32-33; Mark 14:62; Luke 9:25; Luke 17:22-37; Luke 21:25-28; Luke 21:34-35; Jn. 14:2-3, 18, 28; Acts 1:9-11; Rom. 8:11, 23; 1 Cor. 1:7; 1 Cor. 15:23, 50-56; Col. 3:4; 1 Thes. 1:9-10; 1 Thes. 3:13; 1 Thes. 4:13-17; 1 Thes. 5:1-9, 23; 2 Thes. 1:6-10; 2 Thes. 2:1-4, 8; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; Heb. 9:28; Jas. 5:4; 1 Pet. 5:4; 2 Pet 1:16; 2 Pet 3:4, 7, 10-13; 1 Jn. 2:28; Jude 14-15; Rev. 1:7; Rev. 3:3, 11; Rev. 6:12-17; Rev. 14:9-11, 14-20; Rev. 16:15; Rev. 19:11-21; Rev. 22:12, 20; Job 19:25; Isa. 27:12-13; Dan. 12:1-3; Joel 3:13-16; Zech. 14:4-5

The Rapture 18

Chapter 8

The Rapture 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NKJV) For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

In several passages, the Bible describes a time when Jesus will gather the people of God and remove them from the earth. This gathering is sometimes called the Rapture of the Church. Rapture is not a biblical term, therefore it is important that people clearly understand what is meant by the term. In this book, Rapture is used to refer to the gathering of God’s people when Jesus comes (Mat. 24:29-31; 1 Cor. 15:51-56; 1 Thes. 4:14-17).

It seems that one of the most frequently asked questions concerning End Times is, “When does the Rapture occur?” The following Scriptures show that the Rapture occurs when Jesus comes (see also 1 Cor. 1:7; 1 Thes. 5:23; James 5:7-9; and 1 John 2:28). [Emphasis added to the following passages.]

1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 (NKJV) For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 2 Thessalonians 2:1 (NKJV) Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, ... Matthew 24:30-31 (NKJV) “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 “And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 (NKJV) and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. John 14:2-3 (NKJV) “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. This coming of the Lord is His promised return (John 14:3). Since the promise was given after His first coming to earth as a

child born in Bethlehem, this coming of Jesus will be His second time. Therefore, some people refer to this as the Second Coming of Jesus. However, other people call the start of Jesus’ millennial reign His second coming. (The Millennium occurs at least five months after Jesus comes, see page 24.) Some theories about the End Times incorrectly teach that the gathering of Christians (i.e., the Rapture) will occur sometime before (typically 3½ or 7 years before) the second coming of Jesus. However, as shown in the Scriptures quoted above, the Rapture takes place at the coming of Jesus (which is technically His second coming). The Bible does not use the term second coming. For more information on the coming of Jesus, see page 16.

Matthew 24:23-31 says that the coming of Jesus and the gathering of His people (the elect) will take place immediately after the Great Tribulation. (See page 30 for information about the elect.) It is extremely important to understand the difference between the Great Tribulation and the Wrath of God before attempting to understand the correct timing for the Rapture (see page 6). Much of the confusion about whether the Rapture occurs before, after, or in the middle of the Great Tribulation stems from confusion about which events occur as part of the Great Tribulation. It is also important to understand that the Rapture takes place when Jesus comes to judge the earth.

The Rapture is described in several passages in the Bible. Probably the most familiar to Christians is that in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 (quoted above). This passage explains that when Jesus comes, those Christians who have died (those who are asleep in Jesus) will be resurrected and rise first to meet the Lord. Then those Christians who are still alive will rise up to join the others and Jesus in the clouds. (According to Acts 1:9-11, these are probably literal clouds.) This passage also shows that the coming of

The Rapture 19

Jesus will be a very dramatic event with a shout, the voice of the archangel and the trumpet of God. Matthew 24 also describes the Rapture of the Church as follows.

Matthew 24:29-31 (NKJV) “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 “And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. This passage clearly explains that the Rapture will occur immediately after the Great Tribulation (compare verse 21 with 29).

The Rapture also occurs after certain signs in the sun, moon, and stars (vs. 29). Jesus will come on the clouds of heaven and send His angels to gather His people from all the earth (vv. 30-31). Christians will rise into the air (i.e., the heaven) and then be gathered.

Another description of the signs in the sun, moon, and stars is provided in Revelation 6:12-14. Soon after these signs occur, a very large number of people appear before the throne of God (Rev. 7:9-10). These people went through the Great Tribulation (Rev. 7:14). This passage in Revelation shows that the Rapture occurs after the Great Tribulation, but before the Wrath of God (see Rev. 6:17, chapter 8 and following passages). Christians will be in Heaven (before the throne of God) during the plagues of the Wrath of God. (Some people teach that Christians do not go to Heaven at the Rapture. Instead, when they meet the Lord in the air, the Lord and the Christians return to reign on earth. This passage in Revelation 7:9-14 shows that this teaching is incorrect since people are in Heaven after the Rapture.) Following is another passage that describes the Rapture or gathering of the Church.

Revelation 14:14-16 (NKJV) Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” 16 So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped. This passage describes Jesus (“one like the Son of Man”) sitting on a cloud wearing a golden crown and carrying a sharp

sickle. The harvest is ripe indicating that it is time to gather the people of God from the earth. This reaping or gathering (the Rapture) is described using the illustration of a harvester (Jesus) who uses a sickle to gather the grain (the people who belong to God).

Evidence that this passage is describing the Rapture rather than some other event is provided by comparing the surrounding verses with parallel descriptions provided in Revelation 6:12 through 11:19. First, this gathering of the harvest occurs after the Great Tribulation (Rev. 14:9-13). Immediately after this harvest, those who remain on the earth (the grapes) are gathered and thrown into the winepress of the wrath of God (Rev. 14:17-20; 15:1). Next, a great multitude of people who obtained victory over the Beast are shown worshipping God before the throne in Heaven (Rev. 15:2-4). This is describing the same scene shown in Revelation 7:9-17 where a great multitude is shown who came out of the Great Tribulation. Finally, events of the Wrath of God are described following this great multitude’s appearance before the throne (Rev. 15:1, 5-8, 16:1-21).

As mentioned earlier, it is extremely important to understand the difference between the events of the Great Tribulation and those of the Wrath of God. Failure to understand the differences can lead to three of the more common erroneous theories about when the Rapture occurs. These three theories are sometimes called the pre-trib, mid-trib, and post-trib rapture theories.

These three rapture theories appear to have their roots in a failure to correctly distinguish the difference between the Great Tribulation and the Wrath of God. While the following explanations are over-simplified, they can help show how each theory can be derived by mistakenly mixing the events of the Great Tribulation and Wrath of God.

Pre-Trib Rapture. This theory teaches that Christians will be raptured before the Great Tribulation. The following two Scriptures are sometimes used to support this popular theory.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 (KJV) For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thessalonians 1:10 (KJV) And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. The problem is a failure to distinguish the difference between the Great Tribulation and the Wrath of God. Those who hold

this theory typically include the seven plagues (of the Wrath of God) in with the Great Tribulation. Then they reason that since we are not destined for wrath, we must not be here during the Great Tribulation. It is true that Christians will not suffer the Wrath of God. However, the plagues of the Wrath of God are not part of the Great Tribulation (see page 6).

Mid-Trib Rapture. This theory teaches that Christians will go through the first half of the Great Tribulation. They will be raptured to avoid what is taught as the more severe second half of the Great Tribulation. Often, the total length of the Great Tribulation is given as seven years with the Christians going through three and one-half years of it. Some people call the first 3½ years the Tribulation and the last 3½ years the Great Tribulation.

The problem in this theory is also caused by a failure to distinguish the difference between the Great Tribulation and the Wrath of God. In this case, the plagues of the Wrath of God are included as the last half of the Great Tribulation. This rapture theory teaches that Christians will be taken out of the earth before the plagues, but they will suffer some under the Beast. This theory is correct in its teaching that Christians will suffer under the Beast. It is also correct in teaching that Christians will not suffer during the seven plagues. However, it is incorrect in claiming that the Great Tribulation is seven years long and that the seven plagues are part of the Great Tribulation.

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Post-Trib Rapture. This theory teaches that Christians will be raptured after all of the so-called Great Tribulation is completed. The events of the Great Tribulation and Wrath of God are incorrectly lumped together and called the Great Tribulation. This theory is incorrect when it teaches that Christians will go through the seven plagues of the Wrath of God. (Note: Many who consider themselves post-trib also correctly believe in a pre-wrath Rapture. This can be confusing at times.)

Each of these three incorrect theories about the rapture can be logically traced to a failure to distinguish the difference between the Great Tribulation and Wrath of God. (Even though there are probably other factors that contribute to the confusion.) Therefore, it is vitally important that a clear distinction is made between the Great Tribulation and Wrath of God.

So when does the Rapture occur? The Rapture takes place after the Great Tribulation but before the Wrath of God. This teaching is sometimes called the Pre-Wrath Rapture to prevent confusion between it and the Post-Trib Rapture theory. As established in the early part of this chapter, the Rapture takes place at the coming of Jesus. The coming of Jesus takes place immediately after the Great Tribulation and before the Wrath of God (see pages 16 and 43). Therefore, the Rapture must take place after the Great Tribulation and before the Wrath of God.

Jesus will come to gather (rapture) God’s people and to bring judgment (i.e., wrath) on the other people like what occurred in the days of Noah (Mat. 24:36-39). Noah and his family in the ark rose above the waters of judgment. When the judgment was completed, Noah and his family returned to the earth’s surface. In a similar manner, Christians will rise above God’s wrath in the Rapture. They will return to the earth’s surface after the judgment is completed—at the beginning of the Millennium.

When Jesus comes, it will also be like the days of Lot (Lk. 17:26-29). As soon as Lot was safely outside the city, God’s judgment rained down from heaven destroying Sodom and Gomorrah with all their inhabitants (Lk 17:29; Gen. 19:12-29). In a similar manner, as soon as Christians are removed from the earth, God’s wrath will fall on all the earth’s inhabitants (Rev. 14:14-20; Rev. 15:1-8; Rev. 16:1-21).

Summary

Term Definition: The Rapture is a non-biblical, but commonly used term that refers to the gathering of Christians from the earth when Jesus comes.

Significance of the Rapture: The Rapture is very significant in that it marks the end of suffering for Christians during the Great Tribulation (Mat. 24:29-31; 2 Thes. 1:6-10). It also marks the end of mortal life for Christians (1 Cor. 15:50-52). For the Beast and non-Christians, the Rapture marks the beginning of the judgment poured out on them during the Wrath of God (Rev. 14:14-20).

Source of the Rapture: Jesus is the one who sends His angels to gather the Christians (Mat. 24:30-31).

Length of the Rapture: The exact length of the Rapture is not given in Scripture. However, it appears to occur in a very short time, possibly less than a second (1 Cor 15:51-52). However, its effects will last through eternity (1 Thes. 4:16-17).

Events Prior to the Rapture: The Rapture occurs at the coming of Jesus (1 Thes. 4:15-17; 2 Thes. 2:1; 1:7-8; Mat. 24:30-31; John 14:2-3). The Rapture will not occur until after there is a major falling away of believers (see Mat. 24:12; 1 Tim. 4:1-3). The Beast is also revealed before the Rapture (2 Thes. 2:1-4). The Beast is exposed for who he is when he establishes the Abomination of Desolation (see page 7). Therefore, the Rapture will not occur until after the Abomination of Desolation. Scriptures demonstrate that the Rapture occurs between the Great Tribulation and Wrath of God (see beginning of this chapter and pages 16 and 43).

Events of the Rapture: Dead Christians will be resurrected, and living Christians will be given new bodies at the Rapture (1 Cor. 15:50-52). Both groups will rise up to meet Jesus in the clouds (1 Thes. 4:16-17).

God During the Rapture: Jesus will be very active as He returns to gather His Church (Mat. 24:29-31; Rev. 14:14-16).

The Rapture 21

Christians During the Rapture: Christians are removed from the earth and taken to Heaven (i.e., before the throne, Rev. 7:9-17; Mat. 24:29-31). There will be 144,000 people sealed to protect them from the plagues of God’s Wrath (Rev. 7:1-8). Apparently, these 144,000 people will participate in the outpouring of the Wrath of God (Rev. 14:1,4,7; 19:13-15).

Satan During the Rapture: Scripture does not indicate what Satan is doing during the Rapture.

Beast During the Rapture: Scripture does not indicate what the Beast is doing during the Rapture.

Non-Christians During the Rapture: When Jesus comes back to gather the Christians, His return will be as visible as the lightning that lights up the entire sky (Mat. 24:27). The non-Christians will see Jesus and great fear will come upon them. They will seek to hide from the anger of the Lord (Mat. 24:30; Rev. 6:15-17).

Events Following the Rapture: Following the removal of God’s people from the earth, they show up in Heaven (Rev. 7:9-17). Also, 144,000 people from the twelve tribes of Israel are sealed to protect them from the plagues of the Wrath of God (Rev. 7:1-8). After these events, the seven plagues of the Wrath of God are poured out on the Beast and those people who were not removed from the earth (i.e., the non-Christians, see page 22).

Scripture references for Rapture: Mat. 24:23-31; Mat. 13:36-43; Mat. 13:47-50; Mat. 24:42-51; Mat. 25:13; Mark 13:21-27; Mark 13:32-33; Luke 17:22-24; Luke 21:25-28; Luke 21:34-35; Jn. 14:2-3; Acts 1:9-11; Rom. 8:11, 23; 1 Cor. 1:7; 1 Cor. 15:50-56; Phil. 3:20-21; 1 Thes. 4:13-17; 1 Thes. 5:1-9, 23; 2 Thes. 1:6-10; 2 Thes. 2:1-4, 8; Jas. 5:7-9; 2 Pet 3:4, 7, 10-13; 1 Jn. 2:28; Rev. 1:7; Rev. 3:3; Rev. 6:12-17; Rev. 7:9-17; Rev. 14:14-20; Rev. 15:1-4; Rev. 16:15; Isa. 27:12-13; Dan. 12:1-3; Joel 3:13-16; Zech. 14:4-5

The Wrath of God 22

Chapter 9

The Wrath of God Revelation 16:1 (NKJV) Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.”

There is a time coming when God will judge the world for rejecting His Son and for

sin. It will be a day of wrath and judgment. In the Bible, this time is descriptively called the Wrath of God (Col. 3:6; Rev. 14:9-10, 19; 15:1, 7; 16:1). In some passages, it is called the Day of the Lord (Joel 1:15; 2:1-11; 1 Thes. 5:1-9; see page 39 in this book). It will be a day of vengeance when God’s wrath will be expressed in the form of seven plagues poured out upon the earth. There will be much physical pain and trouble for the inhabitants of earth at that time. Some have taught that the plagues of God’s wrath are part of the Great Tribulation. That is not the case according to the Bible (see page 6).

The seven plagues in the Book of Revelation constitute the outpouring of the Wrath of God (Rev. 6:17; 11:18 with the following references). Details of the seven plagues are first provided in Revelation 8:6-13, 9:1-21, and 11:15-19. The seven plagues are described a second time in Revelation 16:1-21. Notice that the plagues are poured out by angels of God (Rev. 8:6,10; 11:15; 16:1). Revelation 16:1 says, “Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, ‘Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.’” These plagues described in the Book of Revelation are the outpouring of God’s wrath upon a sinful world (Rev. 18:4, 8). Since the Great Tribulation is demonic persecution (under the direction of the Beast) rather than godly judgment, it should be clear that the seven plagues of God’s wrath are not part of the Great Tribulation.

Failure to recognize that the same seven plagues are described twice in the Book of Revelation can lead to confusion about end-time events. Even though the plagues are described from slightly different view points, the two different descriptions for each plague can be compared to see that both descriptions apply to the same event. There is only one set of seven plagues, but they are described twice in the Book of Revelation. (See page 51 for more information on the seven plagues of the Wrath of God.)

Christians are not destined to suffer the Wrath of God (Rom. 5:9; 1 Thes. 5:9; Rev. 18:4). Through faith in Jesus, He has delivered us from the coming wrath (1 Thes. 1:9-10). Therefore, Christians will not suffer the Wrath of God.

The Beast and non-Christians will suffer terribly during the Wrath of God (Rom. 1:18; 2:5-9; Eph 5:3-7; Col. 3:5-6; Rev. 9:3-6; 16:9-11). Even though they refuse to repent, they will be forced to acknowledge that Jesus is the Lord of all (Rev. 9:20-21; 16:9, 11; 11:13; Rom. 14:11; Phil. 2:10-11). Since no one repents during the Wrath of God, it would appear that no one is saved during the Wrath of God (Acts 3:19; 11:18). Like the flood of Noah’s days, the Wrath of God is a time of punishment, not a time of correction (Mat. 24:36-39; Gen. 6:5-8, 13, 17; Gen. 7:13-24).

Summary

Term Definition: The Wrath of God is a scriptural term referring to a specific period of time when God will punish the Beast and those who worship him (Rev. 14:9-11). This outpouring of God’s wrath will take the form of seven plagues (Rev. 8:1-13; 9:1-21; 11:1-19; 15:1-21). The Wrath of God is sometimes called the Day of the Lord (Joel 1:15; 2:1-11; 1 Thes. 5:1-9).

Significance of the Wrath of God: The Wrath of God is a time of punishment for the Beast and all those who worship him and take his mark during the Great Tribulation (Rev. 14:9-11). The Wrath of God is God’s judgment upon sin and sinners (Rom. 1:18; 2:5-9; Eph 5:3-7; Col. 3:5-6).

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Source of the Wrath of God: The Wrath of God comes from God (Rom. 2:5-9; 2 Thes. 1:6-10; Rev. 15:6-7). It is performed by angels under His command (Rev. 8:1-2; 11:17-18; 15:6-8; 16:1).

Length of the Wrath of God: The precise length of the Wrath of God is not given in the Bible. One of the plagues lasts five months (Rev. 9:5). Therefore the Wrath of God lasts at least five months.

Events Prior to the Wrath of God: The Great Tribulation occurs before the Wrath of God (see page 10 and the appendix beginning on page 43). Immediately after the Great Tribulation (but before the Wrath of God) certain signs will occur in the sun, moon, and stars (Mat. 24:29; Rev. 6:12-14; and page 55). Also, Jesus will be seen by the people on earth as He returns to gather His people (Mat. 24:27, 30-21; Rev. 6:15-17).

Events of the Wrath of God: The primary events associated with the Wrath of God are the seven plagues poured out in judgment upon the earth and its inhabitants (Rev. 8:6-13; 9:1-21; 11:15-19; 15:1; 16:1-21).

God During the Wrath of God: God’s judgment and punishment will be poured out as seven plagues upon those who remain on the earth after the Rapture (Rev. 8:1-13; 9:1-21; 11:1-19; 15:1-21). God will be a shelter for His people (Joel 3:9-16).

Christians During the Wrath of God: Most Christians will be in heaven during the Wrath of God (Rev. 7:9-17; 15:1-4). There will be 144,000 people who are sealed to protect them against the plagues (Rev. 7:1-8; 14:1-5). These will participate in the outpouring of the Wrath of God or possibly will witness against the people of the earth by explaining the reason for the plagues (Rev. 14:1-4). Two witnesses will also testify against the people during the Wrath of God (Rev. 11:3-13). The people of God will not suffer the plagues of the Wrath of God (Rom. 5:9; 1 Thes. 5:9; 1:9-10; Joel 3:9-16; Rev. 7:2-3).

Satan During the Wrath of God: The Bible does not describe many of Satan’s activities during the Wrath of God. Satan (the dragon) will gather the people of the earth at Armaggedon to fight against God during the Wrath of God (Rev. 16:13-14).

Beast During the Wrath of God: The Beast will suffer severe punishment during the Wrath of God (Rev. 16:10-11). The Beast will kill God’s two witnesses between the sixth and seventh plagues (Rev. 11:7). The Beast, Satan, and the False Prophet will gather the people together at Armaggedon to fight against God (Rev. 16:13-14).

Non-Christians During the Wrath of God: Non-Christians will suffer punishment during the Wrath of God (Rom. 1:18; 2:5-9; Eph 5:3-7; Col. 3:5-6; Rev. 9:3-6; 16:9-11). They will blaspheme God (Rev. 16:9, 11, 21). They will refuse to repent for their evil (Rev. 9:20-21; 16:9, 11). They will be forced to give God the glory due Him (Rev. 11:13; Rom. 14:11; Phil. 2:10-11).

Events Following the Wrath of God: Satan will be bound for 1000 years and the Millennium will begin (Rev. 20:1-4).

Scripture references for the Wrath of God: Mat. 24:36-39; Luke 17:22-30; Rom. 1:18; Rom. 2:5-9; Rom. 5:9; Rom. 14:11; Eph. 5:3-7; Col. 3:5-6; 1 Thes. 1:9-10; 1 Thes. 5:1-9; 2 Thes. 1:6-10; Rev. 6:12-17; Rev. 7:1-17; Rev. 8:1-13; Rev. 9:1-21; Rev. 11:1-19; Rev. 14:7-12, 17-20; Rev. 15:1-21; Rev. 16:1-21; Rev. 18:4, 8; Rev. 19:11-21; Joel 1:15; Joel 2:1-11, 28-32; Joel 3:12-16; Zech. 14:1-15; Isa. 2:10-21; Isa. 13:1-16; Isa. 24:1-23; Isa. 26:20-21; Isa. 63:1-6; Ezek. 7:1-27

Millennium 24

Chapter 10

Millennium Revelation 20:4 (NKJV) And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

The Millennium is a one thousand year period in which Jesus will reign over all the earth from Jerusalem. After the Wrath of God, Satan is bound by an angel of God and thrown into the bottomless pit. He will be kept there during the Millennium to prevent him from deceiving the people on earth. The Millennium is 1,000 years of peace and godly rule that begins when Satan is bound by the angel.

Apparently, some of the people who follow the Beast will live through the battle of Armageddon (Rev. 16:12-21). These are people who suffer the plagues of the Wrath of God but are not killed (Rev. 8:11; 9:4-6,15,18,20). (The Bible sometimes refers to the people who do not belong to God as the nations—Ps. 10:15-16; 59:5; Isa. 34:1-8; Rev. 11:18; 16:19; 18:3; 20:3,8-9). Apparently, these non-Christians who live through the Wrath of God will be the ones who are required to go to Jerusalem each year to worship the Lord and keep the Feast of Tabernacles (Zech. 14:16-19). Their punishment for failure to perform this annual duty is that they will suffer a plague and rain will be withheld from them.

The people of God will be resurrected (if dead) or changed (if alive) during the Rapture which occurs before the beginning of the Millennium (2 Thes. 4:15-17; Rev. 20:4; see page 18). They will always be with the Lord (1 Thes. 4:17). During the Millennium, the people of God will reign with Jesus (Rev. 20:6).

Under the righteous rule of Jesus, the entire earth will experience a time of peace and prosperity. Without the deception of Satan, people will not fight or deceive one another. For 1,000 years, conditions for mankind will be ideal—yet man will still follow evil when the opportunity presents itself again.

At the end of the 1,000 year Millennium, Satan will be loosed from his bonds for a short while. He will go out to deceive the nations, including Gog and Magog (Rev. 20:7-8). These nations will decide to rebel against Jesus and attempt an attack on Jerusalem. This will not be much of a war since fire will come down from God and destroy them (Rev. 20:9). Satan will then be thrown into the lake of fire where he will be tormented forever (Rev. 20:10). He will never be allowed to deceive people again. Immediately after Satan is thrown into the lake of fire, the first heaven (i.e., universe) and first earth will disappear and the Great White Throne Judgment will begin.

Summary

Term Definition: Millennium is “1. a period of one thousand years. 2. The millennium, the period of a thousand years during which Christ will reign on earth. Rev. 20:1-7. ....” (The Random House College Dictionary, Revised, Unabridged Edition, 1980, p. 848)

Significance of the Millennium: The Millennium will be a time when Satan is prevented from deceiving man for one thousand years (Rev. 20:1-3). At the end of the one thousand years, men will again follow Satan in attacking God's people (Rev. 20:7-9). This shows that unregenerate man turns to evil at the first opportunity, even after 1,000 years of an ideal environment. Therefore, it is not a person’s environment that makes him do bad things—it is rebellion against God (Rom. 1:20-21,28-32; John 3:19-20).

Source of the Millennium: God will have Satan bound to prevent his interference with the millennial peace (Rev. 20:1-3). Jesus and His people will rule over all the earth and over all people (Zech 14:9,16-17; Rev. 20:4,6).

Length of the Millennium: The Millennium lasts one thousand years (Rev. 20:1-3).

Events Prior to the Millennium: The Wrath of God and battle of Armaggedon will occur before the Millennium (Rev. 19:17; 16:12-21; also see page 43). Just before the beginning of the Millennium, the Beast and False Prophet will be thrown into the lake of fire (Rev.

Millennium 25

19:20). At the start of the Millennium, Satan will be bound by an angel of God and cast into the bottomless pit (Rev. 20:1-3).

Events of the Millennium: Satan will be bound during the entire 1,000 years of the Millennium so that he cannot deceive people (Rev. 20:2-3). The people of God will reign with Jesus (Rev. 20:4-6). Jerusalem will be safely inhabited (Zech. 14:10-11). Those non-Christians who survive the Wrath of God will be required to go to Jerusalem each year to worship Jesus and keep the Feast of Tabernacles (Zech. 14:16). Any who fail to worship will not receive rain, and they will receive a plague from the Lord (Zech. 14:17-19).

God During the Millennium: Jesus will reign from Jerusalem and will withhold rain and send a plague upon those nations who fail to worship Him yearly in Jerusalem (Zech 14:9,16-19).

Christians During the Millennium: Christians will reign with Christ during the Millennium (Rev. 20:4).

Satan During the Millennium: Satan will be bound in the bottomless pit during the Millennium (Rev. 20:1-3).

Beast During the Millennium: The Beast and the False Prophet will be in the lake of fire during the Millennium (Rev. 19:20).

Non-Christians During the Millennium: Non-Christians (i.e., the nations) must go to Jerusalem each year to worship Jesus and keep the Feast of Tabernacles. If they fail to do so, they will not receive rain, and they will suffer from a plague (Zech. 14:16-19). Those non-Christians who die before the start of the Millennium will not be resurrected until after the Millennium is over (Rev. 20:5,11-13). (It appears that no one obtains salvation during the Millennium.)

Events Following the Millennium: At the end of the Millennium, Satan will be loosed from his bonds for a short time (Rev. 20:3,7). Satan will deceived Gog, Magog, and the nations into attempting an attack against Jesus and His people in Jerusalem (Rev. 20:8-9). The attackers will be destroyed and Satan will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:9-10). The present heaven (i.e., universe) and earth will disappear and the Great White Throne Judgment will begin (Rev. 20:1-15).

Scripture references for the Millennium: Rev. 20:1-10; Zech. 14:6-11, 16-21; Mic. 4:1-4

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Chapter 11

White Throne Judgment Revelation 20:11-12 (NKJV) Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.

After the 1,000 year millennial reign of Jesus, Satan will be loosed to deceive Gog, Magog, and the nations (Rev. 20:7-8).

They will attempt an attack against Jesus and Jerusalem (Rev. 20:9). The battle will be very short with fire coming down from God to destroy them all. Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire where he will be tormented forever (Rev. 20:10). Immediately after Satan is thrown into the lake of fire, the present heaven (i.e., universe) and earth disappear. Then the Great White Throne Judgment begins.

The Great White Throne Judgment is when those who do not belong to God are judged by their works (Rev. 20:12-13). Each person’s works (i.e., the things he did in life) will be examined. Since no one’s works are good enough to save him, all will stand condemned (Rom. 3:10, 20, 23). After each person clearly sees that his works are inadequate to pay the price of his sin, the Book of Life will be opened. The Book of Life records all those persons who have accepted God’s mercy and salvation provided by faith through the sacrifice of Jesus (Rom. 5:8; 3:28; 4:5; 10:9-10, 13; Eph. 2:8-9). If a person’s name is recorded in the Book of Life, his sin debt is paid in full through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection (Rom. 3:23-24; 6:23; 2 Cor. 5:20-21). Only those persons whose names are recorded in the Book of Life can enter the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:10, 27).

If a person’s name is not recorded in the Book of Life, that means that he has failed to accept Jesus’ provisions for paying his sin debt (John 12:48; Rom. 10:3). All those whose names are not recorded in the Book of Life are thrown into the lake of fire where Satan, the Beast, and the False Prophet are (Rev. 20:10,15). This is the second death (Rev. 21:8).

The Great White Throne Judgment is not the same as the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:9-10). The judgment seat of Christ is an examination of Christians (Rom. 14:10-13). The work that each Christian does on earth for Jesus will be judged with some type of reward given as appropriate (1 Cor. 3:10-15). If a Christian’s works prove faulty, he will lose his reward, but he will not lose his salvation (1 Cor. 3:14-15).

After the Great White Throne Judgment is completed, a new heaven and earth will be created (Rev. 21:1).

Summary

Term Definition: The Great White Throne Judgment is when those who do not belong to Jesus will be judged to determine where they will spend eternity (Rev. 20:11-15). God will judge the dead from a great white throne. Possibly, the white color of the throne represents purity, justice, and righteousness.

Significance of the White Throne Judgment: This is when sin is finally and completely judged. Those whose sin debt was not paid through acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice will have to pay the price themselves (Rom. 6:23; Rev. 20:15). It is probably significant that the judgment of sinful man follows immediately after Satan’s judgment to the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10-12).

Source of the White Throne Judgment: God is the judge at the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-12).

Length of the White Throne Judgment: The length of the Great White Throne Judgment is not given. It is possible that time will no longer function in the same manner that we know it since the old heaven and earth will no longer exist (Rev. 20:1).

White Throne Judgment 27

Events Prior to the White Throne Judgment: Just prior to the Great White Throne Judgment, Satan is judged for his sin and cast into the lake of fire where he will be tormented forever (Rev. 20:10). The heaven (i.e., the universe, stars, etc.) and earth will cease to exist (Rev. 20:11, 2 Pet. 3:7,10-13).

Events of the White Throne Judgment: The dead (spiritually) will be judged by their works (Rev. 20:12). Those who are not recorded in the Book of Life will be thrown into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15).

God During the White Throne Judgment: God will judge the dead according to their works. He will also check to see if their names are written in the Book of Life (Rev. 20:12-15).

Christians During the White Throne Judgment: Christians are not mentioned during the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation chapter 20. It is possible that Christians will participate in this judgment (1 Cor. 6:2-3).

Satan During the White Throne Judgment: Satan will suffer torment in the lake of fire during the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:10).

Beast During the White Throne Judgment: The Beast and the False Prophet will suffer torment in the lake of fire during the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:10).

Non-Christians During the White Throne Judgment: During the Great White Throne Judgment, non-Christians (the dead, spiritually) will be judged by their works (Rev. 20:12-13). Those whose names are not written in the Book of Life will be thrown into the lake of fire where the devil is tormented (Rev. 20:15). This is the second death (Rev. 21:8).

Events Following the White Throne Judgment: After the Great White Throne Judgment, a new heaven (i.e., universe) and earth will be created (Rev. 21:1). The New Jerusalem will come down to the new earth from God (Rev. 21:2).

Scripture references for the White Throne Judgment: Rev. 20:11-15, 27; John 12:48; Acts 17:30-31; 1 Cor 6:2-3; Heb. 9:27-28

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Chapter 12

New Heaven and Earth Revelation 21:1 (NKJV) Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.

At the beginning of the Great White Throne Judgment, the heaven (i.e., the universe including the stars) and earth will cease to exist (Rev. 20:11). According to Peter, this disappearance will take place with a great noise and fire (2 Pet. 3:10). The present heavens and earth will be worn out and no longer useful. As such, like a worn out garment, they will be discarded (Heb. 1:10-12).

After the completion of the Great White Throne Judgment, a new heaven and earth will be created (Rev. 21:1). The new earth will be the location of the New Jerusalem which will come down from God (Rev. 21:2). The New Jerusalem is also called the Bride of Christ (Rev. 21:2, 9-10). It is there that Jesus will forever dwell with His people (Rev. 21:3). All things will be made new and there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or curse (Rev. 21: 5,3-4; 22:3). This is the eternal home for all Christians. (See page 38 for additional information about replacing the present heavens and earth.)

Summary

Term Definition: Heaven is the name that God called the firmament (expanse, i.e., space) where He placed the sun, moon, and stars (Gen. 1:6-8, 14-18). The term heaven in Revelation 20:11 and 21:1 refers to the universe including our atmosphere and the expanse that contains the stars. According to Strong’s Concordance, the Greek word used in these passages is number 3772, (ouranos, cf. Uranus). This word means sky and by extension means heaven (as the abode of God). In the KJV translation, this Greek word is translated as heaven 268 times, as air 10 times and as sky 5 times. For example, this Greek word is translated as air in “... the birds of the air...” in Matthew 8:20 and Luke 9:58. This heaven will be shaken and the stars will fall from it (Mat. 24:29-30). Earth in Revelation 20:11 and 21:1 refers to the planet inhabited by mankind.

Significance of the New Heaven and Earth: The old heaven and earth will become old like a garment that is worn out and ready to be replaced (Ps 102:25-26; Isa 51:6; Heb 1:10-12). The new heaven and earth will no longer suffer the curse of sin (Rev. 21:27; 22:3).

Source of the New Heaven and Earth: The new heaven and earth come from God.

Length of the New Heaven and Earth: The new heaven and earth will last for eternity (Rev. 22:5).

Events Prior to the New Heaven and Earth: The Great White Throne Judgment immediately precedes the creation of the new heaven and earth (Rev. 20:11-15; 21:1).

Events of the New Heaven and Earth: A new heaven (universe) and earth are created to replace the old ones (Rev. 21:1). The New Jerusalem will come down from God to the new earth (Rev. 21:2). God will dwell with His people (Rev. 21:3). There will be no more death, sorrow or crying (Rev. 21:4). There will be no night in the new city since God will be its light (Rev. 21:23-25; 22:5).

God During the New Heaven and Earth: God will live among His people in the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:3-4; 22:3-5). He will wipe away all tears and ensure that there is no more death, sorrow or crying. God will make all things new (Rev. 21:5).

Christians During the New Heaven and Earth: Christians will live forever with God in the new creation (Rev. 21:3, 4, 7, 27; Rev. 22:5). They will serve Him and see His face (Rev. 22:3-4).

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Satan During the New Heaven and Earth: Satan will suffer for eternity in the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10).

Beast During the New Heaven and Earth: The Beast and the False Prophet will suffer for eternity in the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10).

Non-Christians During the New Heaven and Earth: People who do not belong to God will be in the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15). This is the second death (Rev. 21:8).

Events Following the New Heaven and Earth: After the new heaven and earth are created, the New Jerusalem will descend from God to the new earth (Rev. 21:2,10). God will live among His people in the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:3-4; 22:3-5).

Scripture references for the New Heaven and Earth: Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33; Heb. 1:10-12; 2 Pet. 3:7,10-13; Rev. 20:11; Rev. 21:1-27; Rev. 22:1-5; Gen. 1:6-8, 14-18; Ps. 102:25-26; Isa. 51:6; Isa. 65:17-25; Isa. 24:19-20

Miscellaneous Information 30

Chapter 13

Miscellaneous Information Psalms 119:130 (NKJV) The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. This chapter provides information on many questions and issues related to end-time

events. Some of the information provides answers to common questions about the End Times. Information is also provided on some end-time details that do not warrant a complete chapter. To locate desired information, consult the index in the back of this book or the topic list below.

Topic Page The elect of Matthew 24 ............................................................. 30 Will there be a Rapture? ............................................................ 31 Is the Rapture secret and invisible? ........................................... 31 Will only some Christians be raptured? ...................................... 31 Is the Rapture shown in Revelation 4:1-6? ................................ 31 When is the Rapture? ................................................................ 32 Clouds and the coming of Jesus ................................................ 32 Will the temple be rebuilt? .......................................................... 32 Do faithful Christians go through the Great Tribulation? ............ 32 Will Christians be kept from the Great Tribulation? .................... 33 Persecution of Christians during the Great Tribulation ............... 33 As a thief in the night ................................................................. 33 How long is the Great Tribulation? ............................................. 34 The 70 weeks of Daniel ............................................................. 35 The Beast’s wound in the head .................................................. 36 The Mark of the Beast (666) ...................................................... 37 Is Jacob’s trouble the Great Tribulation? ................................... 37 When is the Battle of Armageddon? .......................................... 37 When do Gog and Magog fight against God’s people? .............. 38 Will heaven and earth be rejuvenated rather than replaced? ..... 38 The parable of the wheat and tares ........................................... 38 The 144,000 sealed in Revelation .............................................. 39 The Day of the Lord ................................................................... 39 The seven seals ......................................................................... 39 The seven plagues ..................................................................... 40 The three woes .......................................................................... 40 The two witnesses ..................................................................... 40 Gospel preached to all the earth ................................................ 41

The elect of Matthew 24 The term elect used in Matthew 24:29-31 refers to those chosen of God. The term is used in a similar sense today when

referring to someone as a bride-elect (or president-elect). When used in this way, the term means the woman is chosen to be a bride, but the wedding has not taken place. In a similar sense, those who are born again (i.e., Christians) constitute the bride-elect of Christ who is waiting for the marriage supper of the Lamb (2 Cor. 11:2; Rev. 19:9). The Bride is chosen and the wedding is scheduled, but it has not taken place. Therefore, Christians are technically the bride-elect (or elect) of Christ.

Romans 11:7 shows that elect refers to the Church (Christians) and not just the national Jews. (Note: Born again Jews are also part of the elect.) This passage says, “...That which Israel [the national Jews] is seeking for, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen [election in KJV] obtained it....” The word chosen in this passage comes from the same Greek root as the word elect in Matthew 24. Colossians 3:11-13 shows that there is no distinction between Greek [non-Jew] and Jew and that when born

Miscellaneous Information 31

again, they both are the chosen [elect in KJV] of God. Jew and non-Jew are chosen [elect in KJV] by the sanctifying work of the Spirit (1 Pet 1:1-2).

Will there be a Rapture? Some teach there will be no rapture (i.e., catching away) of the Church. They believe that the Lord will simply come to earth

and set up His kingdom without taking His people to Heaven. Others teach that God’s people will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air then immediately come back to earth with Him for the millennial kingdom without spending time in Heaven. Both of these views are incorrect according to the following Scriptures.

First Thessalonians 4:16-17 says, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” This passage explains that there will be a catching up of the Church at the return of Christ.

The Church will spend some time in Heaven during the Wrath of God. This is shown in Revelation 7:9-17 where a great multitude from every nation is shown before the throne of God in Heaven. These are the people who have come out of the Great Tribulation (Rev. 7:14). They will be in Heaven during the time when God pours out His wrath (judgment) upon the remaining inhabitants of the earth as described in Revelation chapters 8 and 9. These people apparently return to earth for the millennial reign of Christ (Rev. 20:4-6).

Is the Rapture secret and invisible? Some people teach that the return of Jesus for the Church (i.e., the Rapture) will be secret and invisible. This teaching says

that when Jesus takes the Christians out of the world, most people who remain will be puzzled about what happened to all those people who disappeared. This opinion may arise partly from a misunderstanding of Hebrews 9:28. As translated in the King James Version, the passage says, “...unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time....” Some have thought this passage means Jesus would only be visible to those who were ready for the Rapture. Reading this passage in most other translations makes it obvious that this is not the proper understanding. For example, the New American Standard Bible translates it as, “so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.” This passage shows that the first time Jesus came, it was to offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sin. The next time He comes, He will not need to deliver us from our sin but will deliver (save) us out of this world and from the soon coming Wrath of God (1 Thes. 1:10).

This passage in Hebrews 9:28 does not suggest a secret or invisible return of Jesus. This is obvious even in the King James Version, once the context is understood. The complete verse (KJV) says, “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” When the whole verse is considered, even the KJV fails to support an invisible return of Jesus. What do other Scriptures say about the visibility of Jesus’ return?

In Matthew 24 Jesus warns against claims that He will come secretly (vs. 23). He said that His return would be as visible as the lightning which flashes from east to west across the sky (vv. 26-27). All the people on earth will see Him at His coming (Mat. 24:30; Rev. 1:7; Rev. 6:15-17). Another passage referring to the gathering of the Church says that Christians will be rescued from afflictions when the Lord Jesus is “... revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God....” (2 Thes. 1:6-8). Jesus will come, “... with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God....” (1 Thes. 4:16). John said, “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.” (Rev. 1:7). These passages describe the return of the Lord as a highly visible event.

Will only some Christians be raptured? Scriptures describing the second coming of Jesus do not support the partial rapture theory. Except for those under the altar

who have been martyred for the Lord, there is no suggestion of any persons permanently in Heaven before the great multitude is described in Revelation 7:9-17. This multitude consists of those who have come out of the Great Tribulation (Rev. 7:14).

The partial rapture theory typically claims certain Christians (i.e., those who are ready) will be raptured before the Great Tribulation and others will be raptured after the Great Tribulation. An understanding of the chronology of the End Times exposes the error of this theory. (Refer to the earlier chapters and the appendix beginning on page 43 for additional information.)

Is the Rapture shown in Revelation 4:1-6? This passage (Rev. 4:1-6) says, “After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice

which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, ‘Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.’ Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne....” Some people teach that when John is told to, “... Come up here....” the Rapture is being described. There are a couple of issues which indicate that this passage is not talking about the Rapture of the Church.

First, this was simply an invitation to the apostle John to see future events from a heavenly perspective. This is shown at the end of verse one. This is not an unusual way for God to give revelations to man. For example, Paul spoke of a man who was caught up into Heaven and heard inexpressible words (2 Cor. 12:1-4). He explained that this had to do with visions and revelations of the Lord (2 Cor. 12:1). Ezekiel also saw visions of God when the heavens were opened (Ezek. 1:1). This passage is simply what it claims to be—a time when John was taken up to Heaven to receive revelation about end-time events.

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If this had been the occasion of the rapture of the Church, John should have seen a large group of other saints in Heaven who had been raptured at the same time as he. Revelation chapters four and five give no suggestion of the large group of saints who should be in Heaven if the passage in Revelation 4:1-2 describes the Rapture. Notice that the great multitude of saints does not show up in Heaven until Revelation 7:9-17. This occurs just after the signs in heaven (which immediately precede the Rapture—Mat. 24:29-31, see page 55) and immediately before the outpouring of God’s Wrath.

When is the Rapture? The Rapture occurs immediately after the Great Tribulation and the signs in the sun, moon, and stars (Mat. 24:29-31). The

Rapture will take place before the Wrath of God (Rev. 7:9,13-14; 8:1-7; 14:14-20). Christians are destined to suffer tribulation and persecution (1 Thes. 3:3-4; 2 Tim. 3:12). However, Jesus delivered Christians from the Wrath of God (Rom. 5:9; 1 Thes. 1:10; 5:9). See page 18 for more information on the Rapture.

Clouds and the coming of Jesus According to Revelation 1:7, Jesus will come with clouds. Some have thought that these clouds might refer to the Christians

gathered in the air during the Rapture (1 Thes. 4:17; Heb. 12:1). However, it is more likely that the clouds in Revelation 1:7 are literal clouds for the following reasons. Jesus was received into a physical cloud when He departed after His resurrection (Acts 1:9-11). We are told that He will return in a similar manner. Jesus also sits on a cloud when He comes to gather the saints (Rev. 14:14-16; Mat. 24:30). Since this is just before the saints are raptured, they must not make up this cloud. At the Rapture, Christians rise up into the clouds in the air (1 Thes. 4:17). In Daniel, Jesus is shown coming with the clouds of heaven (Dan. 7:13-14).

There may be a connection between the clouds of Revelation 1:7 and the glory of God. For example, when Jesus was transfigured, a bright cloud appeared (Mat. 17:5). When Solomon dedicated the temple, a cloud filled it and the priests could not continue to minister (1 Kg. 8:10-12). The Lord led the Israelites out of Egypt in a cloud (Ex. 13:21-22; Ex. 14:19, 20, 24; Ex. 16:10). The mountain where Moses received the ten commandments (Mt. Sinai) was covered with a cloud when the Lord was there (Ex. 19:16-18).

Will the temple be rebuilt? Since the Abomination of Desolation includes the forbidding of sacrifices, some teach that the temple in Jerusalem must be

rebuilt before the Great Tribulation (see page 7 for more information on the Abomination of Desolation). That may be true (see Rev. 11:1-2). However, it may be possible for this prophecy to be fulfilled without the rebuilding of the temple.

There is no legitimate need for a physical temple as a place of sin sacrifice since the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus made one sacrifice for sins that does not need repeating in any form (Heb. 10:11-14). Since He completely paid for sin, there is no longer an offering or sacrifice for sin (Heb. 10:18, 26). The old covenant with its sacrifices and ordinances has become obsolete and is replaced by the new covenant in Jesus (Heb. 8:13; Heb. 10:8-11). If a temple is built and sacrifices for sin are offered, it will be in rebellion against the plan of God for salvation (Heb. 10:28-29; Gal. 4:21-26; Gal. 5:1-6; Rom. 10:3-4).

The first possibility for fulfilling the prophecy about the Abomination of Desolation without rebuilding the temple is that sacrifices may be made in a different location. For example, Jews made sacrifices in the Tabernacle at several locations long before the temple was built by Solomon. The second possibility is that the forbidden sacrifices may be something other than animal sacrifices. The Bible mentions several non-animal sacrifices. For example, there is a sacrifice of thanksgiving and a sacrifice of praise (Ps. 116:17; Heb 13:15). Things sent to support ministry work are also called sacrifices (Phil. 4:8).

The people of God are the temple (1 Cor. 3:16-17; 1 Cor. 6:19; Eph. 2:19-22). There is no need for a physical temple. However, that does not mean that one will not be built. It is important to be alert to various possible ways of fulfilling the Abomination of Desolation.

Do faithful Christians go through the Great Tribulation? The following Scriptures show that faithful Christians are on earth during the Great Tribulation. Matthew 24:21-25 (NKJV) “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 “And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. 23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 “See, I have told you beforehand. [Note: If the chosen ones of God were not going to be here, this warning would not have been needed.] Daniel 11:31-34 (NKJV) “And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. 32 “Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. 33 “And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. 34 “Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue. Also “... Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” This

patience of the saints is their refusal to worship the Beast or to take his mark (Rev. 14:9-12). These are activities that take place during the Great Tribulation (Rev. 13:16-18). This shows that Christians will be on earth during the reign of the Beast. Those

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Christians who go through the Great Tribulation are not second class Christians who missed the Rapture (See Rev. 7:4-17). (If anything, these Christians seem to receive special recognition.)

Will Christians be kept from the Great Tribulation? Some people teach that Revelation 3:10 promises Christians that they will not go through the Great Tribulation. Revelation 3:10 (NKJV) “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” If this passage is talking about the Great Tribulation, the word keep does not necessarily mean that the Christians will be

removed. The same Greek word is used in a similar fashion in John 17:15. However, that passage clearly shows that the word is used to mean a protection from the trouble rather than a removal from the earth. The meaning of keep in these passages appears to be a protection in the midst of a problem.

John 17:11-15 (NKJV) “Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. 15 (NKJV) “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. [emphasis added] In Revelation 3:10, the Greek words for trial (temptation in KJV) and test (try in KJV) refer to a testing in the sense of

determining the value or validity of something. Since the Great Tribulation will make a separation between those people who belong to God and those who do not, this passage could be promising protection from failing the test (Mat. 24:11-13; 2 Tim. 1:12).

Persecution of Christians during the Great Tribulation During the Great Tribulation, the Beast will persecute God’s people. This should not be surprising since Satan’s only purpose

is to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). All through history, the people of God have been persecuted by the people who are following Satan. Jesus was persecuted and He promised that those who follow Him will also be persecuted and hated (Mat. 10:22-26; 24:9; Luke 21:12-19; John 15:18-21). We are destined for tribulation (1 Thes. 3:3-4; John 16:33). However, persecution and tribulation cannot separate us from Christ’s love for us (Rom. 8:35).

The Beast will especially persecute and kill God’s people during the Great Tribulation (Dan. 7:21, 25; 8:24; 11:32-33; 12:7; Rev. 12:13, 17; 13:7; 20:4). He will receive authority to fight against Christians and to prevail in some cases (Rev. 13:7-8). Many Christians will oppose the Beast (Dan. 11:32-33; Rev. 11:3-11). Apparently, the Beast’s persecution of the people of God will serve to purify them (Dan. 11:35; Rom. 5:3-4).

During the Great Tribulation, God will provide some assistance to those of His people who are persecuted by the Beast (Dan. 11:34). This protection will include some kind of protection in the wilderness with some assistance provided by the earth (Rev. 12:14-16; Mat. 24:16-20). Christians can count on the Lord’s help, no matter what they may go through (Heb. 13:5-6; Ps 23:4).

As a thief in the night Jesus warned us that He will come as a thief in the night. Revelation 16:15 (NKJV) “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” Luke 12:35-40 (NKJV) “Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; 36 “and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. 37 “Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. 38 “And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 39 “But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 40 “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:42-51 (NKJV) “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43 “But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. 45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 “Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47 “Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. 48 “But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ 49 “and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, 50 “the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, 51 “and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. The primary intent of these passages is to warn God’s people to be alert at all times. Jesus’ coming will not be unexpectedly

like a thief in the night for those Christians who stay alert and busy about the Father’s business (see following verses). Revelation 3:3 (NKJV) “Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. [emphasis added]

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1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (NKJV) But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. [emphasis added]

How long is the Great Tribulation? The term Great Tribulation refers to a time of great persecution by the demonic forces of Satan under the earthly leadership

of the Beast. As explained by Jesus in Matthew 24 (quoted below), the Great Tribulation begins with the Abomination of Desolation (see page 7) and ends with the coming of Jesus (see page 16).

Matthew 24:15-31 (NKJV) “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 “Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 “And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 “But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 “And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 “And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. 23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 “See, I have told you beforehand. 26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. 27 “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 “For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. 29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 “And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. [emphasis added] The main characteristic of the Great Tribulation is the activity of the Beast (also called the Antichrist). This is the time when

the mark of the Beast (666) must be received before a person can buy or sell (Rev. 13:16-18). During the Great Tribulation, the Beast will claim to be God and will severely persecute any who refuse to worship him (2 Thes. 2:3-10; Rev. 13:5-10, 15). The people of God will be delivered from the persecutions of the Great Tribulation when Jesus comes back for them (see pages 16 and 18).

The length of the Great Tribulation is described in several passages as shown in the following table. Basically, the Great Tribulation and persecution of the people of God will last 3½ years.

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L e n g t h o f t h e G r e a t T r i b u l a t i o n Length Reference Description

42 months

Rev. 13.5-7

Length of time that the Beast is given authority to act in blasphemy and to make war against the saints of God (i.e., 3½ years).

time, times, and half a time Dan. 7:25 Length of time that the saints of God will be given

into the Beast’s hands (i.e., 3½ years).

time, times, and half a time Dan. 12:6-7 Length of time for the power of the holy people to

be completely shattered (i.e., 3½ years).

time, times, and half a time Rev. 12:14 Length of time that the woman is protected in the

wilderness from persecution (i.e., 3½ years).

1260 days Rev. 12:6 Length of time that the woman is protected in the wilderness from persecution (i.e., 3½ years).

42 months Rev. 11:1-2 Length of time that the Gentiles will tread the holy city (Jerusalem) underfoot (i.e., 3½ years).

In each of the references in this table, the length of the Great Tribulation is given as 3½ years. In three passages, the length is

described as a time, times, and half a time. The length of time that the woman is protected in the wilderness is listed as a time, times, and half a time in Revelation 12:14 and as 1260 days a few verses earlier in Revelation 12:6. These passages demonstrate that a time, times, and half a time is the same as 1260 days. When 1260 days is divided by 360 days per year (prophetic years apparently have 360 days per year), the result is 3½ years. This means that the term time, times, and half a time should be understood to mean a year (i.e., time), two years (i.e., times), and half a year (i.e., half a time) or 3½ years. This agrees with the 42 month length given in Revelation 11:1-2 and 13:5-7 (i.e., 42 12 months per year = 3½ years).

In Matthew 24:22, Jesus says that the length of the Great Tribulation will be shortened. It is unclear whether the 3½ years represents the length of the Great Tribulation before or after this shortening. Since the lengths given in the Book of Revelation were provided about forty years after the resurrection of Jesus, the 3½ years is probably the shortened length. If that is the case, possibly the 1290 days and 1335 days of Daniel 12:11-12 may be somehow related to the original length of the Great Tribulation. Possibly, the 2300 days (actually 2300 mornings and evenings) of Daniel 8:13-14 refer to the longer time period that was shortened for the sake of the elect. (The 2300 days cannot include the Great Tribulation plus the Wrath of God since the host will not be trampled during the Wrath of God.) On the other hand, none of these may relate to the longer time for the Great Tribulation.

It should be safe to conclude that the Great Tribulation will not last longer than 3½ years and probably not less than 3½ years.

The 70 weeks of Daniel Daniel 9:24-27 (NKJV) “Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, To bring in everlasting righteousness, To seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy. 25 “Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times. 26 “And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.” This passage in Daniel provided detailed timing for certain events that would take place after Daniel’s lifetime. The word

weeks in this prophecy is literally sevened (Strong’s #7620). Therefore, the 70 weeks should be understood as 70 groups of sevens. Apparently, these are groups of seven years covering a total of 490 years (70 X 7 = 490). The fulfillment of the first 69 weeks was remarkably accurate as shown in the following table. These 69 weeks (483 years) cover the time from when Artaxerxes issued a decree to rebuild Jerusalem (445 B.C.) until the time when the Messiah was cut off (A.D. 32 when Jesus was crucified). (Note: A decree to rebuild the temple was issued earlier, but that is not the start of the 70 week period, see Daniel 9:25.)

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D a n i e l ’ s 7 0 W e e k s ¬ Date Length Description

445 B.C.

—

King Artaxerxes I of Persia issued a command to restore Jerusalem. ¬ Nehemiah went to Jerusalem the first time in 445 B.C. to fortify Jerusalem and resettle it with king Artaxerxes’ support. (See Neh. 2:1-6 and Norman K. Gottwald, “Ezra and Nehemiah, books of,” The Academic American Encyclopedia (Electronic Version), copyright © 1993 Grolier, Inc., Danbury, CT.)

445 B.C. to 396 B.C.

49 years (7 weeks)

“From Artaxerxes’ decree to the arrival of Nehemiah and the covenant renewal celebration at Jerusalem.”1

396 B.C. to A.D. 32

434 years (62 weeks)

“From the dedication of the second temple to the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ.”1

?

7 years (1 week)

“National Israel will enter into a covenant with the future little horn, the Roman prince ([Dan.] 7:8; 11:36) or Antichrist for seven years (Daniel’s final or Seventieth Week). In the middle of the week, the Antichrist will break the covenant and demand that the blood sacrifices, restored by Israel in the last days, must cease. He will then set up his image in the Jewish temple and require worship (Mat. 24:15; 2 Thes. 2:3, 4).”1

1 Information from the Spirit-Filled Life Bible, New King James Version, © 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc., pp. 1248-1249

When calculating these dates, it is important to distinguish between the 360 days of prophetic years and the 365.24 days of

solar years. Prophecy typically uses 360 days per year as shown when comparing Daniel 7:25 with Revelation 11:2, 3; 12:6, 14; and 13:5 (also see information on the length of the Great Tribulation, page 34). The time period from 445 B.C. to A.D. 32 is 476 solar years (445 + 32 - 1. One year is subtracted to correct for the lack of a year zero between B.C. dates and A.D. dates.). Converting 476 solar years to prophetic years results in 483 years (476 solar years times 365.24 days per solar year equals 173,854.24 days; then 173,854.24 days divided by 360 days per prophetic year equals 482.93 prophetic years).

The last week (i.e., 7 years) of Daniel’s prophecy begins with a covenant made by the Beast or a similar individual. After 3½ years into the covenant (the middle of the week), this individual will “... bring an end to sacrifice and offering ... on the wing of abominations shall one be who makes desolate.” (Dan. 9:27). If this refers to the Beast and End Times, then the Abomination of Desolation will be established at the middle of the 70th week of Daniel. If such is the case, the 3½ year Great Tribulation corresponds to the last half (3½ years) of Daniel’s 70th week.

However, it is unclear why there is such a long gap between the 69th and 70th weeks of Daniel’s prophecy (even though there are some theories that have been presented). Possibly, this 70th week was fulfilled in the past—immediately after or soon after the 69th week. One possibility is that it refers to the time in A.D. 70 when the Romans destroyed the Jewish temple and stopped all sacrifices. However, that would mean that the 70th week began in about A.D. 66 (3½ years before the end of the sacrifices). This theory still leaves a 32 year gap (A.D. 32 to A.D. 66) between the 69th and 70th weeks.

In summary, the 70th week of Daniel may apply to the coming End Times. If so, the Beast will make a covenant with many for a week of years. However, 3½ years into the covenant, the Beast will set up the Abomination of Desolation. The last 3½ years of the 70th week of Daniel would then be the 3½ years of the Great Tribulation. However, there are some unanswered questions with this possible interpretation and Christians should remain open to other possible ways for the fulfillment of the 70 th week of Daniel. (Note: Some of the material for this topic was taken from the Spirit-Filled Life Bible, New King James Version, copyright 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc., pages 1248-1249.)

The Beast’s wound in the head Until he declares himself as God and puts an end to sacrifice (i.e., the Abomination of Desolation) it may not be obvious who

the Beast is. One possible advance clue is that the Beast will suffer some kind of physical, political, or other fatal wound to the head (Rev. 13:3). This temporarily knocks the Beast out of commission according to Revelation 17:8, “The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit ... the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.” It seems that this wound occurs before the Great Tribulation. The Beast will be one of seven kings (rulers?) who loses his position or authority—possibly as a result of the wound. Later, he will return to be the eighth king (Rev. 17:10-11). The wound may also be a reference to his loss of position as a ruler.

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The Mark of the Beast (666) The mark of the Beast is some type of identification mark that is placed on a person’s hand or on his forehead. It is described

in the following Scripture. Revelation 13:15-18 (NKJV) He [the False Prophet] was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. The False Prophet is the one who makes the image of the Beast, demands worship of the image, and requires the acceptance

of the mark as a requirement for buying or selling in the economy controlled by the Beast (see Rev. 13:11-18.) This False Prophet acts in the authority granted to him in the presence of the Beast (Rev. 13:12).

The number of the mark is 666. In the Greek and Hebrew languages, individual letters are used to also represent numbers. This means that any word in the Hebrew or Greek language also has a numeric value that is determined by adding together the individual numeric values of the letters that compose the name. Because of this, it is possible that the name used by the Beast will have a numeric equivalent of 666 in the Greek or Hebrew language.

Others have proposed that the 666 may represent a counterfeit of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The number six is sometimes used in reference to man, and three is sometimes used in reference to God. Then three sixes (i.e., 666) would represent man claiming to be God. In this view, Satan, the Beast, and the False Prophet represent a counterfeit of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

From the passage above (Rev. 13:15-18), the only way to receive the mark is to agree to worship the image of the Beast. This is idol worship and would require rejection of the true God—possibly in the form of a renunciation of the lordship of Jesus. This requirement would explain the severe punishment reserved for those who take the mark of the Beast.

Revelation 14:9-11 (NKJV) Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 “he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 “And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Notice that the punishment is reserved for those who worship the image of the Beast and receive his mark. Based upon this

qualification and the explanation that those who refuse to worship the image of the Beast will be killed, it is probably safe to conclude that no Christians will accidentally take the mark of the Beast. Any who accept the Mark will first have to renounce Jesus and worship a false god. Anyone who worships the image of the Beast and receives the Mark will suffer severe punishment (Rev. 14:9-10).

Is Jacob’s trouble the Great Tribulation? There is only one Scripture that mentions Jacob’s trouble (Jer. 30:7). From this one passage (see Jer. 30:1-11) there is not

enough evidence to say confidently that either the Great Tribulation or the Wrath of God is the same as Jacob’s trouble.

When is the Battle of Armageddon? The name Armageddon (Har-Magedon) occurs only in Revelation 16:16. It refers to the Valley of Jezreel (also called the

Plain of Esdraelon) at the foot of Mount Megiddo. This is the place where the kings of the whole earth will be gathered by the spirits (demons) of the Dragon, Beast, and False Prophet for the war of the great day of God (Rev. 16:13-14). This event occurs during the Wrath of God just before the seventh angel pours out his bowl (the seventh plague) (Rev. 16:1, 17).

Another passage which refers to this battle is Revelation 19:19-20. Even though it does not use the name Armageddon, it describes the Beast and the kings of the earth assembled for war against Jesus and His army. This gathering occurs just prior to the Millennium (Rev. 20:1-4) which takes place immediately after the Wrath of God. That means that both passages describe the battle of Armageddon as occurring toward the end of the Wrath of God.

The Great Tribulation occurs before the Wrath of God (see the introduction on page 1). Since the Battle of Armageddon occurs toward the end of the Wrath of God, it must occur well after the events of the Great Tribulation. For more information on the chronology of these end-time events, see the earlier chapters in this book and the chronological list of end-time events beginning on page 45.

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When do Gog and Magog fight against God’s people? Gog and Magog are named in only three chapters in the Bible (Ezek. 38, 39, and Rev. 20:7-9), each of which describe the

same event. The sequence of events described in these passages are... 1. Gog and Magog will be gathered for war. 2. They will gather on the plain, surrounding the Lord’s people who are dwelling securely at the time. 3. God will send fire from heaven to destroy Gog and Magog. The two passages in Ezekiel do not indicate when this event occurs in relation to end-time events. The Book of Revelation,

however, clearly shows the timing for this event. The destruction of Gog and Magog will take place at the end of the Millennium (Rev. 20:6-9). At the end of the Millennium, Satan will be loosed temporarily and will deceive the nations (including Gog and Magog) into attempting an attack on the saints who are then reigning in Jerusalem. This is also alluded to in Ezekiel 38:10-14 where Gog and Magog are described as coming against Israel when they are dwelling securely without bars and walls.

Ezekiel 39:9-10 describes the burning of the weapons of Gog and Magog instead of wood for seven years after their defeat. The weapons listed include shields, bucklers, bows and arrows, javelins, and spears. Wooden weapons of these types do not seem to fit in with the high-tech weapons of today. However, during the 1,000 years of the Millennium that precedes the attack by Gog and Magog, there will be absolute peace and no need to manufacture weapons. Those weapons that are not recycled into other things will probably be unusable after 1,000 years of disuse (see Isa. 2:2-4). When Gog, Magog, and the nations prepare for war, they will need to construct all new weapons, most of which will probably be of the type mentioned in Ezekiel 39:9.

From these passages, the timing of the attack by Gog and Magog will evidently occur after the Millennium. This attack has nothing to do with the Great Tribulation, the Wrath of God, or the Battle of Armageddon.

Will heaven and earth be rejuvenated rather than replaced? The Bible teaches that the present heaven (i.e., the universe) and earth will pass away and be replaced by a new heaven and

earth (Rev. 20:11; 21:1) This must refer to the literal heaven and earth (rather than governments) since one of the features of the new earth is the absence of seas—a literal, physical characteristic (Rev. 21:1). The New Jerusalem will come down to the new earth (Rev. 21:23). There will be no need for the sun or the moon for the glory of the Lord will illumine it (Rev. 21:23) and there will be no night there (Rev. 21:24-25). The absence of night also shows that the old earth has passed away since God made a covenant which promises that seasons, day, night, cold, and heat would not cease as long as the earth remains (Gen. 8:22). Other passages indicating that the earth and heavens will be replaced with new ones are as follows.

2 Peter 3:10-13 (NKJV) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Isaiah 65:17 (NKJV) “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. Isaiah 66:22 (NKJV) “For as the new heavens and the new earth Which I will make shall remain before Me,” says the LORD, “So shall your descendants and your name remain. Hebrews 12:26-27 (NKJV) whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” 27 Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NKJV) while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Mark 13:31 (NKJV) “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

The parable of the wheat and tares Matthew 13:24-30,36-43 (NKJV) Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 “but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 “But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 “So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ 28 “He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ 29 “But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 ‘Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’ ” 36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.” 37 He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 “The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. 39 “The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. 40 “Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 “The Son of Man will send out His

Miscellaneous Information 39

angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 “and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 “Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! This parable of Jesus describes end-time events. Notice that the tares (planted by the devil) grow together with the wheat

(those planted by God). At harvest time the tares are gathered first and bound together in bundles. They are then set aside to be burned (not and burned). Notice that they are not burned immediately since this would interfere with the harvesting of the wheat.

The gathering of the tares into bundles serves to separate them from the wheat. In a similar sense, the Great Tribulation will serve to make a clear distinction between those who belong to God and those who do not. Everyone whose name is not written in the Book of Life (i.e., those who do not belong to God) will worship and follow the Beast during the Great Tribulation (Rev. 13:8). The people of God will not worship or follow the Beast.

The binding of the tares serves to identify the tares for later burning. In a similar sense, the mark of the Beast serves this purpose during the Great Tribulation. Those who do not belong to God will accept the mark of the Beast so they can buy and sell (Rev. 13:16-17). All who accept the mark of the Beast are identified for future burning in the Wrath of God (Rev. 14:9-11). This burning corresponds to the plagues of the Wrath of God and will occur after the gathering of the people of God (the harvest, Rev. 14:14-20). The saints (i.e., people of God) will persist in refusing the mark (Rev. 14:12).

The 144,000 sealed in Revelation According to the Book of Revelation, 144,000 servants of God are sealed with 12,000 coming from each of the tribes of

Israel (Rev. 7:2-8). They have a song that only they can sing (Rev. 14:3). They are without fault and were redeemed from mankind as a firstfruits offering to God (Rev. 14:4-5, compare with Lev. 23:10-11) If the number (144,000) is literal, then the people are probably literally Israelites. This is especially probable since Israel is called the firstfruits of God’s increase (Jer. 2:3).

These 144,000 are sealed to protect them from the plagues of God’s wrath (Rev. 7:2-8). They ride with Jesus wherever He goes (Rev. 14:1,4). Apparently, they are the armies of Heaven who go to battle along with Jesus during the Wrath of God (Rev. 19:11-15). Possibly, they are witnessing against the people by explaining why God is sending the plagues. This would be a similar function to that performed by Moses when he explained to Pharaoh that the plagues were a result of God’s judgment upon Egypt (Ex. 7:14-18; Ex. 8:1-4, 20-23; Ex. 9:1-4, 13-21; etc.).

The sealing of 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel takes place as part of the sixth seal (Rev. 6:12; 7:1-8). They are sealed after those who were killed (for the word of God) appear in Heaven during the fifth seal (Rev. 6:9-11). Possibly, the 144,000 come from those martyrs who may be a type of firstfruits offering to God. (This might be the better resurrection mentioned in Hebrews 11:35-39.) Their sealing also occurs after the signs in the sun, moon, and stars (Rev. 6:12-14; 7:1-8). Apparently, the 144,000 are sealed before the gathering of the Christians during the Rapture. The first indication of this is that they are sealed before the great multitude is shown before the throne (Rev. 7:1-14). The second indication of this is that they are with the Lamb and follow Him before the reaping of earth’s harvest (i.e., the Rapture) (compare Rev. 14:1-5 with 14:14-20).

The Day of the Lord The Day of the Lord is a day of salvation for the people of God and a day of vengeance and wrath for those who oppose God

or His people (Isa. 2:12, 17-21; 13:1-16; Jer 46:10; Joel 1:15). It will be a dark and terrible day for those who do not belong to God (Joel 2:1, 11, 31; Amos 5:18, 20; Zeph. 1:14; Mal. 4:5) As such, the term is sometimes used to refer to the time period called the Wrath of God (see page 22). However, in some cases, it appears to refer to a localized instance of God’s deliverance and judgment.

The Day of the Lord begins with certain signs in the sun, moon, and stars (Joel 2:30-31; Amos 8:9; Joel 3:9-16). It will come as a thief in the night (1 Thes. 5:1-9; 2 Pet. 3:4-14). The Day of the Lord is also called the Day of Christ (2 Thes. 2:1-3; Phil. 1:6,10). The Day of the Lord begins on the day when Jesus comes (Luke 17:24; see page 16). However, its length is not limited to a single day (compare 2 Pet. 3:9-13 with Rev. 20:10-11).

The seven seals In the Book of Revelation there is a description of a scroll that is written on the inside and on the back. This scroll is sealed

with seven seals (Rev. 5:1). The seven seals on the scroll are probably similar to wax seals used in the past to protect letters from being read by unauthorized persons. The technique involved the placing of some hot candle wax on the edge of the letter to seal it together. To guard against tampering, a signet ring or other device was used to impress a unique image into the wax before it completely hardened. The Lamb (i.e., Jesus) was the only one with the authority to break the seals and open the scroll (Rev. 5:2-10).

When Jesus opened the first seal on the scroll, a white horse was seen with a rider who had a bow (for shooting arrows). The rider was given a crown and he went out conquering and to conquer (Rev. 6:1-2). Apparently, this represents authority given to subdue and control many kingdoms on the earth.

When Jesus opened the second seal, a fiery red horse went out. Authority was granted to the horse’s rider to take peace from the earth so that people would kill each other. The rider was given a great sword (Rev. 6:3-4). Authority is being given to increase discord among the earth’s inhabitants.

When the third seal was opened, a black horse was seen with a rider carrying a pair of scales. Scales were used in buying and selling to determine the worth of goods. A voice declares that a quart of wheat will be sold for a denarius (about one day’s wages for a worker). Three quarts of barley will also be sold for a denarius (Rev. 6:5-6). Possibly, these high prices are the result of control exercised by certain individuals over buying and selling. If this occurs during the Great Tribulation, then it may be

Miscellaneous Information 40

connected with the mark of the Beast (Rev. 13:16-17). The price increase may be the result of food shortages caused by natural or artificial occurrences. The oil and wine will not be harmed (limited or high priced?) as a result of the opening of this seal (Rev. 6:6).

When the fourth seal is opened, a pale horse appears with a rider named Death. Hades (the grave) is following after this rider (Rev. 6:7-8). Authority is given to this rider to kill more than a fourth of the people of the earth. Hunger, the sword, the beasts of the earth and death will be used to kill those of the earth.

When the fifth seal is opened, the souls of people who have been killed for their testimony for God appear beneath the altar (Rev. 6:9-11). There will be others who are killed in service to Jesus after this point (Rev. 6:11). Maybe the 144,000 who are sealed are taken from this group of people who have been killed in their service for Jesus (Rev. 7:1-8).

When the sixth seal is opened, certain signs are seen in the sun, moon, and stars (Rev. 6:12-14). This is a very important set of signs since it is also given in relationship to the end of the Great Tribulation, the coming of Jesus, and the beginning of the Wrath of God (see page 55). The people of the earth will attempt to hide from the presence of the Lord, realizing that the day of His wrath is upon them (Rev. 6:16-17). This takes place when Jesus comes (Rev. 1:7; Mat. 24:30; see page 16). To protect them from the plagues during the Wrath of God, 144,000 Israelites are sealed (Rev. 7:1-8). A great multitude who came out of the Great Tribulation also appear in Heaven as part of the opening of the sixth seal (Rev. 7:9-17).

When the seventh (last) seal is opened, there is silence in Heaven for about thirty minutes (Rev. 8:1). Following this, seven angels are given trumpets to announce the seven plagues of the Wrath of God (Rev. 8:2-6; see page 22).

The first four seals are releasing certain authority against the people of the earth. Since the Wrath of God does not occur until the seventh seal is opened, this release of authority is not associated with the seven plagues of the Wrath of God. The signs in the sun, moon, and stars that occur immediately after the Great Tribulation take place when the sixth seal is opened (Mat. 24:29; Rev. 6:12-14). This means that the first four seals are probably connected with the Great Tribulation. Possibly, this is the spiritual release of authority that is given to the Beast to permit him to act for forty-two months (Rev. 13:5; compare Job 1:9-12; 2:3-7). The fifth and sixth seals both show people taken to Heaven. The final seal begins the seven plagues of the Wrath of God.

The seven plagues Seven plagues are described twice in the Book of Revelation. These plagues are poured out upon the people of the earth by

angels of God as judgment for following the Beast. This time period is called the Wrath of God. For more information on the descriptions of the seven plagues, see page 51. For more information on the Wrath of God, see page 22.

The three woes The three woes are the last three of the seven plagues of the Wrath of God (Rev. 8:13; Rev. 9:12; Rev. 11:14). Apparently,

plagues number five, six, and seven are especially hard on the people on earth. The first woe is the plague of locust. These hurt men with their stings for five months (Rev. 9:1, 3-6). The second woe follows after the first (Rev. 9:12). The second woe is the plague that releases the four angels at the Euphrates River (Rev. 9:13). These angels and their army kill a third of mankind (Rev. 9:15-19).

The third woe follows when the second woe is completed (Rev. 11:14). The third woe is the completion of the outpouring of God’s wrath (Rev. 11:15; 16:17). It includes a terrible storm with great hail and an earthquake. See page 22 for more information on the Wrath of God. See page 51 for more information on the seven plagues.

The two witnesses The Book of Revelation describes two witnesses who testify against the Beast and his followers. They have the power to

create serious problems for those who try to harm them (Rev. 11:3-9). These two witnesses will testify for 1,260 days (Rev. 11:3). Toward the end of the Wrath of God, between the sixth and seventh plagues, the Beast will finally kill the two witnesses

(Rev. 11:7). There will be much rejoicing over their death (Rev. 11:10). After 3½ days, the two witnesses will be brought back to life and called to Heaven while their enemies look on (Rev. 11:8-12). This is followed by a great earthquake and then the seventh plague of the Wrath of God (Rev. 11:13-15).

If the Wrath of God lasts only five months (i.e., about 150 days), then the two witnesses will testify against the Beast and his kingdom for about 1,110 days during the Great Tribulation (1260 - 150 = 1110 days, see page 34). If the Wrath of God is longer than five months, the time that the two witnesses testify during the Great Tribulation would be proportionally decreased. This means that the two witnesses will begin their testimony no earlier than about five months after the start of the 3½ year Great Tribulation.

These two witnesses are the two olive trees who are, “... the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.” (Rev. 11:4; Zech. 4:11-14). The Bible does not otherwise identify these two witnesses. Some have guessed that they may be Moses and Elijah—possibly based upon the passage at Matthew 17:1-3. However, this would mean that Moses dies twice (Deut. 34:5-7; Rev. 11:7). Some have theorized that the two witnesses may be Enoch and Elijah since it appears that neither of these two individuals died (Gen. 5:24; 2 Kings 2:11). If this is the case, then they would finally die after finishing their testimony for God (Rev. 11:7). However, there is nothing that says that these two witnesses are not some unknown individuals who will fulfill this call upon their lives.

Miscellaneous Information 41

Gospel preached to all the earth In Matthew 24:14, Jesus says, “And this Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the

nations, and then the end will come.” This may be fulfilled by Christians going to all peoples of the world with the Gospel message. If this is the case, much of this world-wide spread of the Gospel may be a direct result of the persecution of Christians during the Great Tribulation. These persecutions will cause many Christians to leave the comfort of big cities and go to more remote locations (Mat. 24:15-16). Persecution during the first century was a significant factor in Christianity’s rapid spread throughout the earth (Acts 8:1-5).

Another method of possible fulfillment for this prophecy is explained in the Book of Revelation. This involves an angel who preaches the Gospel to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people on earth (Rev. 14:6-7). This event appears to take place at the end of the Great Tribulation (see the detailed chronological list beginning on page 45).

Preparing for the End Times 42

Chapter 14

Preparing for the End Times 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 (NKJV) But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

Do you want to know the truth— no matter what it is or what it costs you?

Learning the truth may require you to give up some of your pet theories or doctrines. Who wants to keep their beliefs if they

are not true? On the other hand, learning the truth may cause you to lose your circumstantial peace, comfort, and security. However, there is no true peace and security except in knowing the Truth—Jesus (Jn. 14:6; Jn. 16:33; Rom. 8:38-39). Knowing the truth may cost you everything—but it is worth it! (Mat. 13:44).

A common reaction among people when preparing for the End Times is to begin storing food and other supplies in anticipation of shortages. While it is wise to maintain a limited amount of extra supplies, it is very easy to begin trusting in those supplies rather than in Jesus (Mat. 6:19-21, 25-34). A simple test for determining your motives in accumulating extra supplies is to ask yourself if those supplies will be made available to others who have needs. If the extra supplies are primarily to ensure that you will survive the coming hard times, then your accumulations are probably too important to you (Jn 15:12-14; Gal. 6:2). Put your trust in God for He is well able to meet your needs—even in hard times (Deut. 8:4, 15-16; Pr. 28:27; Phil. 4:11-13, 19).

The number one thing you must do to prepare for the final days of this creation is to be sure that you are right with God. All men are sinners (Rom. 3:23). If you have broken even one of God’s laws—no matter how small—you are guilty of being a lawbreaker (Jas. 2:10-11). As a sinner, you earn (deserve) death (Rom. 6:23).

No amount of good works can counterbalance your sin and make you right with God because God is perfect and cannot allow imperfection and sin into His presence (Rom. 3:20). Yet there is hope! Jesus paid your sin debt for you so that you can be free in Him (Rom. 5:8; 1 Pet. 3:18). Jesus took your sins (and your death penalty) in His body on the cross so you can be righteous in Him (1 Pet. 2:24; 2 Cor. 5:21).

You can receive salvation and eternal life by believing what God says and accepting Jesus’ payment for your sins (Rom. 1:16; Eph. 2:8-9; Phil. 3:8-11; 1 John 5:11-13).

Acknowledge your sins (Luke 18:13-14). Repent and turn to God (Rom. 2:4-5; Acts 26:20). Place your faith in Jesus rather than in your own efforts (Rom. 10:3, 9-13).

You can know for sure that you have eternal life when you put your trust in Jesus (John 20:31; 1 John 5:10-13). After receiving salvation through faith in Jesus, work to grow and mature as a Christian — a disciple of Jesus (John 8:31-32; 15:4-21; Acts 11:26). Learning to consistently practice the following will help you mature.

1. Read and study God’s Word—the Bible (especially the New Testament) (Col. 3:16; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). 2. Do what the Word of God says (don’t deceive yourself, Jas. 1:22-25; Luke 6:46-49).

a. Forgive others (Mat. 18:21-35; Rom. 12:14-21). b. Love others (1 Cor. 13; Rom. 13:8-10; 1 John 4:19: John 13:35). c. Serve Jesus and others rather than yourself (2 Cor. 5:15; Phil. 2:3-5; Rom. 15:1-2).

Besides helping to prepare you for the End Times, maturing as a Christian will equip you for successful everyday living.

There is no greater joy than spending your life loving and serving Jesus and the people He died for. God bless you!

Chronological Relationships 43

Appendix A

Chronological Relationships Three different representations of the chronological relationships of end-time events are presented here. First is a time

line showing major end-time events in chronological order. Next is an assembled puzzle using end-time icon pieces. Finally, a detailed chronological list is provided.

Time Line of End-Time Events

Chronological Relationships 44

Assembled Puzzle Pieces

The following illustration shows the puzzle-piece icons used in the chapters in this book. These pieces are assembled in their correct relationship to one another.

Chronological Relationships 45

Detailed Chronological List

The following table is a detailed chronological list of end-time events. Major events of the End Times are shown in the left column. The right column provides a detailed list of the events that occur during the major event listed in the left column. In some cases, the details associated with a particular major event may occur in a slightly different order than shown.

C h r o n o l o g i c a l L i s t o f E n d - T i m e D e t a i l s

Time Period Detail Events that Occur During the Time Period

Past and Present Events

Birth of Jesus (the Messiah), Rev. 12:1-5 Resurrection of Jesus, Rev. 12:5; Acts 1:9-11 Dragon cast out of heaven, Rev. 12:7-13, John 12:31 Messages to the seven churches, Rev. 2:1 to 3:22 Sinful activity of the Great Harlot (Babylon), Rev. 17:1-6

Great Tribulation

First seal (of seven) opened by Jesus, rider with bow on white horse goes forth conquering, Rev. 6:1-2

Second seal (of seven) opened by Jesus, rider with sword on red horse takes peace from earth, Rev. 6:3-4

Third seal (of seven) opened by Jesus, rider with scales on black horse controls food prices, Rev. 6:5-6

Fourth seal (of seven) opened by Jesus, rider named Death on pale horse with power to kill one fourth of people on earth with sword, hunger, death, and beasts, Rev. 6:7-8

Abomination of Desolation set up, Mt. 24:15, Dan. 11:31, 12:11, 2 Thes. 2:3-4 Saints instructed to flee to mountains, Mt. 24:15-21 Woman flees to the wilderness for protection for 3½ years, Rev. 12:6,13-17 The Beast (Antichrist) and False Prophet begin persecutions and blasphemy,

Rev. 13:1-18, Dan. 11:31-45 Authority given for Beast to act for 3½ years., Rev. 13:5, (Dan. 12:11) Saints persecuted, Rev. 13:7, Mt. 24:21-22, Dan. 11:33-35, 12:7 False prophets & signs to deceive people, Rev. 13:13-14, Mt. 24:23-26 False Prophet makes image of Beast and demands its worship,

Rev. 13:14-15 Mark of the Beast (666) required by False Prophet for buying or selling,

Rev. 13:16-18 Great Harlot (Babylon) is desolated by the Beast and his kings, Rev. 17:7-18

Transition Events

(between the Great Tribulation

and the Wrath of God)

Fifth seal (of seven) opened by Jesus, those martyred for Jesus appear under altar in heaven, Rev. 6:9-11

Sixth seal (of seven) opened by Jesus, a great earthquake with other signs and events as follows, Rev. 6:12

Signs in sun, moon, stars and sky, Rev. 6:12-14, Mat. 24:29, Joel 2:30-31; Joel 3:13-16

Son of Man (Jesus) seen in the sky, Rev. 6:16, Mat. 24:27,30 People of earth mourn because of coming wrath, Rev. 6:15-17, Mat. 24:30 144,000 men sealed for protection from plagues of the Wrath of God,

Rev. 7:3-8, 14:1-5 Gospel preached by angel, warning against taking the mark of the Beast

(666) or worshipping him, Rev. 14:6-12 Rapture of the saints, Rev. 14:14-16, Mt. 24:31, Joel. 3:13, Dan. 12:1-3 Grapes (nations) gathered for Wrath of God, Rev. 14:17-20 Great multitude of saints (out of Great Tribulation) appear before the throne

of God in heaven, Rev. 7:9-17, 15:2-4 continued

Chronological Relationships 46

C h r o n o l o g i c a l L i s t C o n t i n u e d

Time Period Detail Events that Occur During the Time Period

Wrath of

God

Seventh seal (of seven) opened by Jesus, silence in heaven for ½ hour, then angels prepare to blow trumpets announcing each of seven plagues of the Wrath of God, Rev. 8:1-6

Marriage Supper of the Lamb, Rev. 19:7, 9 (timing unclear) Wrath of God is poured out as seven plagues as angles sound trumpets,

Rev. 6:16-17, 8:1-6, 15:1,5-8, 16:1, 19:11-18, Joel 3:13, Dan. 12:1 Details of the judgment against the Great Harlot (Babylon), Rev. 18:1-24 First plague (of seven) is poured on the earth, results in burns and sores,

Rev. 8:7, 16:2 Second plague (of seven) is poured on the sea, the waters become blood,

Rev. 8:8-9, 16:3 Third plague (of seven) is poured on rivers, they become blood and bitter

(poisoned), Rev. 8:10-11, 16:4-7 Fourth plague (of seven) poured on sun causing it to be darkened and scorch

men, Rev. 8:12-13, 16:8-9 Fifth plague (of seven) opens the bottomless pit, smoke and locusts come

out to hurt men with their stings for 5 months, Rev. 9:1-12, Rev. 16:10-11, Joel 2:1-11

Sixth plague (of seven) poured on Euphrates River releasing angels and armies to kill men, Rev. 9:13-21, 16:12-16

Two witnesses who have been prophesying for 3½ years are killed by the Beast, Rev. 11:3-14

The Beast, False Prophet, and Satan gather the nations at Armageddon to attempt to fight against God, Rev. 16:14,16, Rev. 19:19-21

Seventh plague (of seven) produces earthquake and a great hailstorm, the wrath is completed, Rev. 11:15-19, 16:17-21

Beast and False Prophet are thrown into the lake of fire, Rev. 19:20

Millennium

Satan is bound for 1,000 years and thrown into the bottomless pit, Rev. 20:1-3

1,000 year reign of Jesus and saints in Jerusalem, Rev. 20:4-6 The nations of those who survive through the Wrath of God must keep the

Feast of Tabernacles and worship Jesus every year to get rain and avoid plagues, Zech 14:16-19

After 1,000 years, Satan is loosed from his bonds to attempt to deceive the nations, Rev. 20:7-8

Gog & Magog and the nations are gathered by Satan for battle against Jesus and the Saints in Jerusalem, Rev. 20:8-9, Ezek. 38, 39

Satan is thrown into the lake of fire where he is tormented forever, Rev. 20:10

White Throne

Judgment

The Great White Throne Judgment where the spiritually dead will be judged, Rev. 20:11-15

The heavens and earth cease to exist, Rev. 20:11; Heb. 1:10-12; Ps. 102:25-26; Isa. 51:6

The spiritually dead are resurrected in preparation for judgment before the Great White Throne, Rev. 20:12-13

Those people whose names are not written in the Book of Life are thrown into lake of fire which is the second death, Rev. 20:14-15

New Heaven and Earth - Eternity -

New heaven and earth are created to replace the old ones, Rev. 21:1 New Jerusalem (the Bride of Christ) comes down from God to the new earth,

Rev. 21:2,9-27 God lives among His people forever in the New Jerusalem, Rev. 21:3-4, 22-27;

Rev. 22:3-5

Interlocking Puzzle Pieces 47

Appendix B

Interlocking Puzzle Pieces Matthew 24:15 (NKJV) “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ .... 21 “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Several Bible passages concerning end-time events serve a similar function to that of interlocking pieces in a picture puzzle (see page 2). These passages (the interlocking pieces) establish time relationships between other end-time events. As with a picture puzzle, these interlocking pieces assist in connecting the Bible end-time pieces together in their proper relationship. This appendix includes detailed information on each of several major end-time interlocking pieces.

Abomination of Desolation

Matthew 24:15, 21 (NKJV) “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), .... 21 “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” This passage in Matthew says that the Abomination of Desolation signals the beginning of the Great Tribulation. Daniel

explains that the Abomination of Desolation is established by the Beast (the Antichrist) when he puts an end to daily sacrifices and claims that he is God.

Daniel 11:31, 36 (NKJV) “And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. 36 “Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done.” Daniel 8:11-12 (NKJV) He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. 12 Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered. Finally, the gathering of the people of God (i.e., the Rapture) will not occur until some time after the Abomination of

Desolation as explained in the following passage. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 (NKJV) Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. This interlocking piece marks the beginning of the Great Tribulation and the reign of the Beast.

Interlocking Puzzle Pieces 48

Signs in the Sun, Moon, and Stars

Certain signs in the sun, moon, and stars are described in several Bible passages describing the End Times. These celestial signs form a very important interlocking piece that establishes time relationships between several end-time events. The following information provides general information on the significance of these signs as an interlocking piece to the end-time puzzle. More detailed information is provided on these signs beginning on page 55.

Matthew 24:29-31 (NKJV) “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 “And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. This passages says that these celestial signs will occur immediately after the Great Tribulation but before Jesus returns for

His people. The next passage shows that these signs occur as part of the opening of the sixth seal. This takes place just before the 144,000 are sealed in Heaven.

Revelation 6:12-17; 7:1-4 (NKJV) I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 “For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” 1 After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, 3 saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” 4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed: This interlocking piece marks the end of the Great Tribulation and the Beast’s reign. It also occurs just before the 144,000 are

sealed in preparation for the Wrath of God and before the people of God are gathered.

Great Multitude Before God’s Throne

A great multitude of people from all nations appear before the throne of God right after the 144,000 are sealed (see previous paragraphs).

Revelation 7:9, 13-15 (NKJV) After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, .... 13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” 14 And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. After the great multitude appears before the throne of God, the seventh seal is opened which starts the Wrath of God. (Refer

to pages 22 and 51 for more information on the Wrath of God.) Revelation 8:1-6 (NKJV) When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. 3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake. 6 So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. Revelation 15:1-7 (NKJV) Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete. 2 And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. 3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! 4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested.” 5 After these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the

Interlocking Puzzle Pieces 49

tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. 6 And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands. 7 Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. This interlocking piece marks the completion of the sealing of 144,000 of God’s people. It also marks the beginning of the

Wrath of God.

Satan Bound for 1,000 Years

After the Wrath of God, Satan is bound for 1,000 years. Apparently this prevents his interference with the universal peace during the millennial reign of Christ. The Millennium begins with this binding of Satan.

Revelation 19:15-21; 20:1-3 (NKJV) Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. 17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, “Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, 18 “that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great.” 19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. 20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh. 1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. This interlocking piece marks the end of the Wrath of God and the beginning of the Millennium.

Satan Loosed After 1,000 Years

At the end of the Millennium, Satan will be loosed for a short time from his 1,000 year bondage. Revelation 20:7 (NKJV) Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison Once released, Satan will deceive Gog, Magog, and others into attempting an attack against the people of God. There will not

be much of a battle, and Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:7-9 (NKJV) Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. 9 They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. This interlocking piece marks the end of the Millennium. It precedes the short-lived attack by Gog and Magog upon Jesus

and His people in Jerusalem.

Satan Thrown Into the Lake of Fire

After Gog and Magog’s attack fails (Rev. 20:7-9), Satan is thrown into the lake of fire where he will be tormented eternally. Revelation 20:10 (NKJV) The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. After that, the existing earth and heavens (the stars and universe) will disappear and a great white throne will appear. Revelation 20:11 (NKJV) Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. This interlocking piece marks the end of Satan’s deceptions and the beginning of the White Throne Judgment.

Interlocking Puzzle Pieces 50

The White Throne Judgment

After the earth and heavens disappear, the dead will be resurrected and judged by their works. These dead are all those who do not belong to God. (Those who belong to God were resurrected before the Millennium, Rev. 20:4-6.) After each one stands condemned because his works were not enough to save him (Rom. 3:20), the Book of Life will be opened. The Book of Life contains a record of those who accepted Jesus’ payment for their sins (Rom. 3:28; 4:5; 10:9-10,13; see page 42). Those who have not accepted Jesus’ provisions will be thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:11-15 (NKJV) Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. After the White Throne Judgment, a new heaven (universe) and earth will be created. There will be no sea in the new earth.

This new earth will be the home of the New Jerusalem, Jesus, and all of those who belong to Him. Revelation 21:1-3 (NKJV) Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. Revelation 21:9-10 (NKJV) Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Revelation 21:22-27 (NKJV) But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. 24 And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. 25 Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26 And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. 27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Revelation 22:3-5 (NKJV) And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever. This interlocking piece marks the end of the current creation (the present earth and universe) and the beginning of God’s new

creation where He will live with His people.

The Seven Plagues Compared 51

Appendix C

The Seven Plagues Compared Revelation 14:9-10 (NKJV) Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 “he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation....

The Wrath of God is a time when God punishes the Beast and those people who

followed the Beast (Rev. 14:9-11). This punishment primarily includes seven plagues that are poured out upon the earth and its inhabitants. These seven plagues of the Wrath of God are described in detail in two places in the Book of Revelation. In the first description, each plague is initiated by an angel blowing a trumpet (chapters 7-11). In the second description, each plague is initiated by an angel pouring a bowl (vial in King James Version) upon the earth and people (chapter 16).

Even though these two sets of plague descriptions have some differences, the similarities between the two strongly indicate that both descriptions apply to the same set of plagues. The surrounding context of each description set also strongly argues that there is only one set of seven plagues. Finally, the descriptions of the last plague in both sets are almost identical and each claims that it completes the work of God (see Rev. 10:7, Rev. 11:15, and Rev. 16:17).

The following table summarizes the similarities between the two sets of plague descriptions. For example, the first plague is poured out on the earth, the second on the sea, the third on the rivers, the fourth involves the sun, the fifth on men, the sixth on the Euphrates River, and the seventh includes a hail storm and earthquake. In most cases, the plague descriptions initiated by trumpets give more information on the spiritual activities associated with the plagues. The descriptions initiated by bowls give more emphasis to the results of the plagues as experienced by men on earth. This difference in emphasis accounts for at least some of the differences between the corresponding explanations. Following the table is a more detailed description of each of the pairs of plague descriptions.

S e v e n P l a g u e s C o m p a r e d

Plague number (its primary effect)

Seven Trumpets – Spiritual View (Revelation chapters 8-11)

Seven Bowls – Natural View (Revelation chapter 16)

#1 (on earth)

hail, fire, & blood thrown to earth, 1/3 earth burned (8:7)

poured onto earth, becomes malignant sore on men (16:2)

#2 (on sea)

burning mountain thrown into sea, sea becomes blood (8:8-9)

poured into sea, sea becomes blood (16:3)

#3 (on rivers)

star (Wormwood) falls on rivers, waters become bitter (8:10-11)

poured into rivers, waters became blood (16:4-6)

#4 (on sun)

1/3 of sun, moon, & stars darkened (8:12)

poured on sun, sun scorches men with fire (16:8-9)

#5 (torment of men)

angel of abyss, plague of locusts darken sky, torment men 5 months

(9:1-11)

Beast’s kingdom darkened, men gnaw their tongues because of the

pain (16:10-11)

#6 (Euphrates River)

4 angels at Euphrates, armies, plagues of fire, smoke, & brimstone (9:13-21)

poured on Euphrates, way prepared for kings of east, Armageddon (16:12-16)

#7 (storm, earthquake,

and hail)

voices, Kingdom established, lightning, thunder, earthquake, hailstorm (11:15-

19)

voices “It is done,” lightning, thunder, earthquake, huge

hailstones (16:17-21)

The Seven Plagues Compared 52

On the surface, the two sets of descriptions appear to be describing two different sets of seven plagues. This is especially true if the descriptions of only one plague are compared. However, when the descriptions of all of the plagues are compared, it becomes more evident that there is only one set of seven plagues described in the Book of Revelation. There are some differences between the two sets of descriptions that are hard to reconcile if there is only one set of plagues. However, the large degree of similarity between the two sets of descriptions presents a strong case for believing that both descriptions apply to a single set of seven plagues.

First plague:

Revelation 8:7 (NKJV) The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up. Revelation 16:2 (NKJV) So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. Notice that in both cases, the first plague is poured out upon the earth. Other than this similarity, these two descriptions differ

considerably. However, as each of the following plagues are compared, it becomes apparent that there are two descriptions of a single set of seven plagues. Possibly, the foul and loathsome sore that comes upon the men who have the mark of the Beast is a result of the smoke from the burning of such a large quantity of trees and grass. If that is true, the first description explains the immediate effect of the plague while the second description explains the consequences for those who took the mark of the Beast.

Second plague:

Revelation 8:8-9 (NKJV) Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9 And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed. Revelation 16:3 (NKJV) Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died. Both of these descriptions show that the second plague is poured out upon the sea. In both descriptions, the water of the sea

becomes blood. This blood is poisonous to sea creatures causing widespread death. It is unclear why one description says that a third of the living creatures in the sea die while the second says that every living creature in the sea dies. (The Greek in 8:9 says, “... and died the third [part] of the creatures in the sea, having souls ....” The Greek in 16:3 says, “... and every soul of life died the things in the sea.”)

Third plague:

Revelation 8:10-11 (NKJV) Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter. Revelation 16:4-6 (NKJV) Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel of the waters saying: “You are righteous, O Lord, The One who is and who was and who is to be, Because You have judged these things. 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, And You have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due.” The third plague is poured out upon the rivers and springs of water. This causes man’s drinking water sources to turn to blood

(i.e., bitter or poisoned). The contamination of the water sources causes the death of many people. There is no serious discrepancy between these two plague descriptions.

Fourth plague:

Revelation 8:12 (NKJV) Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night. Revelation 16:8-9 (NKJV) Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory. The fourth plague affects the sun. The sun, moon, and stars will be darkened, yet the sun will produce more radiation which

will scorch people. Possibly this is an increase in UV radiation with a greatly increased incident of skin cancer. It may also refer to an increase in surface temperature of the earth accompanied by a darkening of the visible light from the sun. Possibly, the darkness is a result of smoke or ashes in the atmosphere since the stars are also darkened. There is no serious discrepancy between these two plague descriptions.

The Seven Plagues Compared 53

Fifth plague: Revelation 9:1-11 (NKJV) Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. 3 Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. 6 In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them. 7 The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle. On their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men. 8 They had hair like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth. 9 And they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle. 10 They had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. Their power was to hurt men five months. 11 And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon. Revelation 16:10-11 (NKJV) Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain. 11 They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds. The fifth plague is directed against men. In both descriptions, men are severely tormented by this plague. Darkness will also

accompany this plague according to both descriptions. The first description presents a view into the spirit world describing what happens in the spirit realm during this plague. The second description shows what is visible in the physical realm. There is no serious discrepancy between these two plague descriptions.

Sixth plague:

Revelation 9:13-21 (NKJV) Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. 17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. 18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed; by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. 19 For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm. 20 But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. 21 And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. Revelation 16:12-16 (NKJV) Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” 16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. The sixth plague is poured out on the Euphrates River in both descriptions. In both cases, the way is prepared for armies and

war. According to the first description, a third of the people will die in the battle. This is the battle of Armageddon according to the second description. The first description presents a view into the spirit world to show what is happening during this plague. The second description shows what is seen in the physical realm. There is no serious discrepancy between these two plague descriptions.

Seventh plague:

Revelation 11:15-19 (NKJV) Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” 16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying: “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. 18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.” 19 Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.

The Seven Plagues Compared 54

Revelation 16:17-21 (NKJV) Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” 18 And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. 19 Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. 20 Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great. The seventh plague is accompanied by loud voices in Heaven announcing the end of the reign of men on the earth. Jesus is

now the new ruler over all the earth. Also, according to both descriptions, this plague is accompanied by a great earthquake, storms, and a great hail. This is the last of the seven plagues of the Wrath of God. There is no serious discrepancy between these two plague descriptions.

The only major discrepancy between any of the descriptions occurs for the second plague. The basic plague descriptions are the same except that one says a third of the sea creature die and the other says that all of the sea creatures die. However, when the two sets of plague descriptions are considered as a whole, they are too similar to be describing two different sets of seven plagues. Therefore, both sets of descriptions most likely apply to a single set of seven plagues during the Wrath of God.

The chronological relationship of each set of plague descriptions to surrounding events also strongly suggest that both descriptions apply to a single set of seven plagues (see the chronological list beginning on page 45). The following table lists the events preceding and following each of the two sets of plague descriptions for ease of comparison.

Seven Plagues Described in Revelation 8 - 11

Seven Plagues Described in Revelation 16

Events

Preceding Plague

Descriptions

Signs in sun, moon, & stars Rev. 6:12-14

People mourn, Rev. 6:15-17

144,000 sealed, Rev. 7:1-8 Rapture, Mat. 24:29-31, see

pages 18 & 55 Great multitude in heaven from

Great Tribulation, Rev. 7:9-17

Beginning of Wrath of God, Rev. 6:17

—

Warning against taking mark of the Beast, Rev. 14:9-12

144,000 with Jesus, Rev. 14:1-5 Rapture, Rev. 14:9-12

People victorious over Beast (during

Great Trib.) are in heaven, Rev. 15:2-4

Beginning of Wrath of God, Rev. 15:1, 6-8

Events

Following Plague

Descriptions

The events that chronologically follow these plagues are not described here.

After the plagues are described, the text starts over chronologi-cally with the birth of Jesus, Rev. 12:1-5. See page 57.

The events that chronologically follow these plagues are not described here.

After the plagues are described, the text starts over chronologically with the activity & judgment of the harlot, Rev. 17:1-6. See page 57.

As shown in this table, each set of plague descriptions is preceded by descriptions of many of the same events. This is even more evident when the chronological sequences of the chapters in the Book of Revelation are charted as on page Error! Bookmark not defined.. In summary, there is very strong evidence to support believing that the two descriptions apply to a single set of seven plagues. That conclusion is assumed in the rest of this book.

Signs in the Sun, Moon, and Stars 55

Appendix D

Signs in the Sun, Moon, and Stars Matthew 24:29 (NKJV) “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

Certain signs in the sun, moon, and stars provide important information establishing the time relationship between the Great Tribulation, Rapture, and Wrath of God. These particular signs are described in several passages in the Bible. In each Scripture passage listed in the table on page 55, the descriptions of these signs are virtually identical. Each passage refers to the same event during the End Times and thus serves as a type of signpost or interlocking puzzle piece (see page 47) for determining relative timing of one set of Scriptures to another. For example if event A follows the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and event B precedes the signs, then event B must precede event A. Since this particular set of signs is described in relationship to the Great Tribulation, Rapture, and Wrath of God, the relative sequence of these three events can be determined.

The second table (page 56) provides a detailed comparison between two of the passages listed in the first chart (Mat. 24:29-31 and Rev. 6:12 to 11:19, see page 56). These two passages are especially important and are compared in more detail to show that they describe the same event.

As shown in this second table, the passage in Matthew reveals that the Great Tribulation precedes the signs in the sun, moon, and stars. This passage also shows that the gathering of God’s people follows immediately after these signs. The passage in Revelation reveals that the Wrath of God follows the signs in the sun, moon, and stars. Therefore, these signs provide a key that reveals the time relationship between the Great Tribulation, Rapture, and Wrath of God.

S i g n s i n t h e S u n , M o o n , a n d S t a r s

Scripture Passage

Sign Description in the Passage

Associated End-Time Event

Matthew 24:29 sun darkened, moon does not give light, stars fall, heavens

shaken

End of Great Tribulation, Jesus returns, &

gathering of Christians

Revelation 6:12-17 sun turns black, moon like blood, stars fall, sky splits, earthquake

Rapture and Wrath of God

Joel 2;10-11 sun dark, moon dark, stars dark, shaking occurs Wrath of God

Joel 3:12-16 (cf. Rev. 14:14-20)

sun dark, moon dark, stars dark, shaking occurs

Rapture and Wrath of God

Isaiah 13:9-13 sun dark, moon dark, stars dark, shaking occurs Wrath of God

Joel 2:30-31 sun turned to darkness, moon to blood Wrath of God

Isaiah 24:19-23 sun ashamed, moon abashed (both dark), earth shaken Wrath of God

Isaiah 34:2-8 heavens rolled up as a scroll, host of heaven (stars) wear away Wrath of God

The two passages listed in the next table describe the same future event when they detail the signs in the sun, moon, stars, etc.

This means both passages are describing the same time period during the End Times. By lining up the descriptions at the points

Signs in the Sun, Moon, and Stars 56

where they are the same (as in this table) an overall view of the relationship (sequence) of the Great Tribulation, Rapture, and Wrath of God can be seen. Following is a chronological list of these events as derived from these two Scripture passages.

1. The time of great tribulation. (Mat. 24:21,29) 2. Sixth seal is broken. (Rev. 6:12) 3. Signs in the sun, moon, stars, and sky—the signpost (Mat. 24:29; Rev. 6:12-14) 4. All people will see the sign of the Son of Man in the sky. (Mat. 24:30; Rev. 6:16) 5. The people of the world mourn because they realize that God is about to pour out His wrath in judgment against

them. (Mat. 24:30; Rev. 6:15-16) 6. Jesus comes on the clouds. (Mat. 24:30) 7. Jesus sends His angels to gather His Church. (Mat. 24:31) 8. Wrath held off until 144,000 sealed (protected) (Rev. 7:1-8) 9. The people of God stand before the throne of God in Heaven (they have come out of the Great Tribulation). (Rev.

7:9-17) 10. God pours out His wrath in the form of seven plagues on the inhabitants of the earth. (Rev. 8:6 to 11:19)

T w o P a s s a g e s C o m p a r e d

End-Time Event Matthew 24:29-31

Revelation 6:12 - 11:19

immediately after the Tribulation 24:29 sixth seal broken 6:12 earthquake—mountains & islands moved 6:12, 14 sun darkened, becomes black as sackcloth of hair 14:29 6:12 moon does not give its light and becomes like blood 24:29 6:12 stars fall from sky as figs from shaken tree 24:29 6:13 powers of heavens shaken, sky split apart like scroll 24:29 6:14 all tribes of earth will mourn while kings & others hide, they ask the rocks to fall on them to hide them from wrath of God 24:30 6:15-16

sign of Son of Man appears in sky and people see the Lamb (Jesus)

24:30 6:16

Son comes on clouds of sky 24:30 all tribes of earth see Son of Man coming, people see God on throne and the Lamb

24:30 6:16

Son sends angels with great trumpet 24:31 angels gather elect (i.e., Rapture) 24:31 great day of God’s wrath has come 6:16-17 judgment held off until 144,000 sealed 7:1-8 great multitude in heaven from every nation 7:9 the great multitude have come out of the Great Tribulation 7:13-14 The Wrath of God is poured out 8:6 and

following

In summary, the relationships of certain end-time events to other events can be determined from their relative relationships to

the signs in the sun, moon, and stars. The Great Tribulation will be followed by the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, which will be followed by the Rapture which will then be followed by the Wrath of God. Each occurrence of the description of the signs in the sun, moon, and stars (as listed in the tables above) forms a helpful interlocking puzzle piece (see page 47). This interlocking piece is a reference point showing how far down the road of prophecy a particular event is in relation to other events.

Retelling in Revelation 57

Appendix E

Retelling in Revelation Revelation 10:11 (NKJV) And he said to me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.”

The Book of Revelation does not progress in a single chronological sequence from chapter 1 through chapter 22. For example, we are told that the mystery of God is finished when the seventh trumpet is sounded (Rev. 10:7). The seventh trumpet sounds in Revelation 11:15. However, in the chapters that follow, the birth and resurrection of Jesus is described (Rev. 12:5), the Beast is revealed and sets up his kingdom (Rev. 13:1,5), and God pours out His wrath on the earth (Rev. chapters 15 &16). Then God’s work is finished (again!) in Revelation 16:7 (compare Rev. 16:7-21 with Rev. 11:15-19). It would not seem possible that these events could all follow the finish described in Revelation 11:15.

Another example of two events that are chronologically out of sequence involve the Beast. In Revelation 11:7, the “... beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit...” kills God’s two witnesses against his kingdom. However, the Beast does not ascend and set up his kingdom until Rev. 13:1—two chapters later.

There is not a simple once-through chronological sequence to the events described in the Book of Revelation. Instead, there are several different groups of events that are chronologically arranged within the group. However, events described in one group may be preceded by events in another group that is described later. By determining where each chronological sequence group begins and ends, it is easier to understand the relationship between individual events described in the different chronological groups. Fortunately, this is not as difficult as it may seem.

The Book of Revelation describes end-time events in four separate chronological sequence groups providing four different vantage points for the same overlapping time periods. This results in several events being described more than once in the Book of Revelation. If a person thinks that Revelation proceeds in chronological order from chapter one through chapter twenty-two, the information will be very confusing. When the confusion of an assumed single chronological listing of events is combined with the symbolism contained in the Book of Revelation, it is no wonder that there are so many different theories about what will happen in the latter days.

Instead of following a single chronological sequence, the Book of Revelation repeats certain end-time events several times, each from a slightly different vantage point with a slightly different emphasis. For example, the Great Tribulation is described three times (Rev. 6:1-8; 13:1-18; 7:7-17), the gathering of the Church (i.e., the Rapture) is described three times (Rev. 7:9-17; 14:13-16; 18:4), and the Wrath of God is described four times (Rev. chapter 8-11; chapter 15-16; chapter 18; and 19:11-21). While some of these descriptions are less clear than others, once a basic understanding of the chronological order of the Book of Revelation is obtained, each event becomes clear in its relationship to surrounding events.

Understanding the chronological arrangement of the Book of Revelation may be somewhat easier if you think of it as three people who are called to court to testify about an accident they witnessed. When the first person takes the witness stand, he describes the events that he saw in chronological order. The second witness then tells what he saw in chronological order. Since his perspective was different, the second witness will probably leave out some things that the first witness mentioned. He will also provide some information that was not given by the first witness. It would be a mistake to think that everything the second witness described happened after everything the first witness described.

As the jury and judge listen to all three witnesses repeat the events as they saw them, a clear picture will usually begin to emerge. If a particular item was mentioned only by the third witness, that item can be placed in its proper position in time by comparing the rest of witness number three’s testimony to that of the other witnesses. The judge and jury must watch for clues to use in correctly merging the three testimonies into one chronological sequence of events. This provides an overall picture that is much more complete than any sequence described by a single witness.

In a similar fashion, end-time events are described by several witnesses. However, in this case, the witness is the same person—John. This is like a witness on the southeast corner of a street intersection witnessing an auto accident. Then the witness is moved to the northwest corner of the intersection where he can watch the accident repeated. With his second perspective, he would see things that may have been missed in his first observation. Of course an auto accident cannot be replayed several times to allow a witness to observe it from several different perspectives to obtain a clear understanding of what happened. That is not a

Retelling in Revelation 58

problem when God wanted to give John—and us—a clear understanding of what will happen in the latter days. The Book of Revelation contains several prophecies repeated from different perspectives to provide a much clearer representation of what will happen. Like merging the testimony of three witnesses, the prophecies in Revelation must also be correctly merged together to understand them properly.

Since the same witness is used to describe each sequence of events, it is important to look closely to determine the places in the Book of Revelation where the prophecies begin over again. The chart on page Error! Bookmark not defined. helps identify these places by showing the approximate time periods described in the various chapters of the Book of Revelation. As shown in the chart, prophecies in Revelation overlap to provide additional details for each event.

Chapters one through three provide introductory information and messages to the seven churches located in Asia during the lifetime of John. Chapter four begins the first description of the End Times when John is called to Heaven to see future events. Chapters four through eleven provide a chronological list of many events that will occur during the End Times—especially during the Great Tribulation and Wrath of God. This section explains how John received the visions. It also describes the seven seals and the seven plagues of the Wrath of God. This chronological sequence ends with the last plague of the Wrath of God. Revelation 10:11 says that John must prophecy again concerning these end-time events.

Beginning in chapter twelve, the prophecy of end-time events starts over from the time when Jesus was born. Chapters twelve through 16 provide a chronological description of end-time events during the Great Tribulation and the Wrath of God. These chapters cover basically the same period of time as described in chapters four through eleven. However, additional details are provided with a somewhat different emphasis. This chronological sequence includes descriptions of the activity of the Beast during the Great Tribulation and the seven plagues of the Wrath of God. As in the first description, this sequence ends with the last plague of the Wrath of God.

The prophecy of end-time events starts over again with chapter seventeen. Chapters seventeen and eighteen provide the history of the wickedness of the woman on the scarlet beast (Babylon). Possibly this woman represents false religion (see Rev. 17:1,2,4). Chapters seventeen and eighteen also describe the hatred of the Beast for the woman and her punishment by God (Rev. 17:16; 18:5-8).

End-time prophecies start over again beginning with chapter nineteen when a great multitude appears in Heaven (compare Rev. 19:1-7 with Rev. 7:9-17). In the remaining chapters in the Book of Revelation, the Wrath of God and following events are mentioned. The earlier sets of end-time prophecies did not extend past the last plague of the Wrath of God. However, this last chronological sequence covers the time of the Wrath of God and all events that follow it on to eternity. This sequence includes descriptions of the defeat of the Beast and his armies by Jesus during the Wrath of God. It also describes the Millennium, the Great White Throne Judgment, and the new heaven and earth which continue into eternity.

This telling and retelling of the same events from different viewpoints is common throughout the Bible. Even the inclusion of four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) is consistent with this form. Jesus’ parables also illustrate this telling and retelling of information from slightly different perspectives to give a better overall understanding of the matter. (See Mat. 13:24, 31, 33, 44, 45, & 47 for an example of how our understanding of Heaven is improved by use of this technique.)

The following chart can be consulted when reading the Book of Revelation to aid in determining where end-time prophecies start over. This will make end-time events easier to understand. The chart also includes transitional events (i.e., interlocking pieces, see page 47) which help determine the chronological sequence of end-time events. These transitional events are shown at the bottom of the chart. They serve as important markers (or sign posts) indicating when one time period ends and another begins (see Mat. 24:15,21).

Retelling in Revelation 59

This chart shows the six major time periods presented in the Book of Revelation. Each of these major time periods is

separated by a transition event. The time periods covered by various groups of chapters in Revelation are indicated by labeled bars in the chart. For example, chapters four through eleven cover the present age, the Abomination of Desolation, the Great Tribulation, the signs in the sun, moon, & stars, and the Wrath of God. The transition events signaling the end of one time period and the beginning of the next are shown at the bottom of the chart. By referring to this chart when reading the Book of Revelation, the chronological sequence of events can be understood more easily.

Transition events separate one major time period from the next. These transition events serve a similar function to interlocking pieces in a jig saw puzzle (see pages 2 and 47). The major transition events marking the points when one time period ends and the next begins are as follows (see page 47).

T r a n s i t i o n E v e n t s B e t w e e n M a j o r T i m e P e r i o d s

Transition Event (or interlocking piece)

References Significance

Abomination of Desolation

Mat. 24:15-21; Daniel 11:31; 12:11; 2 Thes. 2:3-4

When the Beast claims that he is God and stops daily sacrifices. This marks the beginning of the Great Tribulation

Signs in the sun, moon and stars

Rev. 6:12-14; Mat. 24:29-31

These signs mark the end of the Great Tribulation and the beginning of the Wrath of God. They also signal the gathering of the Church (i.e., Rapture).

Satan bound for 1000 years Rev. 20:1-3 Marks the end of the Wrath of God and the

beginning of the Millennium. Satan released for a short time to deceive Gog, Magog and the nations

Rev. 20:7-9 Marks the end of the Millennium and beginning of the White Throne Judgment.

New heaven and new earth Rev. 20:11; 21:1-2

The old creation is replaced with a new one. Marks the beginning of eternity spent with Jesus.

Index 60

Index This index is a combination of a concordance index and a topical index. Concordance entries list every page where the word

is located. Topical entries may list one or more words and have fewer pages listed after them. The topical entries should be used to locate where the word or phrase is described in more detail. The concordance entries should be used for detailed study when every mention of a word (in this book) is desired. The two types of indices are combined for ease of use.

1

144,000 sealed explained – 39

6

666 – 11, 34, 37, 45 explained – 37

7

70 weeks of Daniel – 35

A

Abomination of desolation – 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 20, 32, 36, 45, 47, 59

chapter – 7 historical background – 8 interlocking piece – 47 summary – 8

Antichrist – 3, 6, 10, 11, 13, 14, 34, 45, 47 Antiochus IV – 8 Armageddon

when/what – 37

B

battle of Armageddon when/what – 37

Battle of Armageddon when/what – 37

Beast – 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 39, 40, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 51, 52, 53, 54, 57, 58, 59

chapter – 13 mark of (666) – 37 summary – 14 wound in the head – 36

Book of Life – 26, 27, 39, 46, 50 born again – 30, 31 Bride of Christ – 28, 46

C

chronological chart of events – 43

events are not – 3 chronological list

detailed – 45 chronological relationships

appendix – 43 pictorial – 44

Clouds coming of Jesus – 32

Coming of Jesus – 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 31, 32, 40 chapter – 16 clouds – 32 summary – 17

D

Daniel 70 weeks – 35

Daniel’s prophecy – 8 Day of the Lord – 22, 38, 39

explained – 39 Dragon – 8, 11, 13, 14, 23, 37, 45, 49, 53

E

earth – 28 rejuvenated? – 38

elect – 10, 18 who are they? – 30

End Times preparing for – 42

Epiphanes – 8 eternal life – 42

F

False Prophet – 10, 13, 14, 15, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 37, 45, 46, 49, 53

chapter – 13 summary – 14

Festival of Dedication – 9 figurative or literal – 3

G

Gog & Magog when/what – 38

Gospel – 5, 13, 18, 41, 45 Gospel preached to all the earth – 41

Index 61

great multitude before throne interlocking piece – 48

Great Tribulation – 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 45, 47, 48, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59

chapter – 10 Christians kept from? – 33 details – 45 Distinguished – 6 do Christians go through? – 32 Jacob’s trouble? – 37 length – 34 persecution of Christians – 33 summary – 11

great white throne judgment – 16, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 46, 58 chapter – 26 details – 46 interlocking piece – 50 summary – 26

H

Hanukkah – 9 heaven

rejuvenated? – 38 heavens – 28

I interlocking piece

Abomination of desolation – 47 great multitude before throne – 48 Satan bound 1000 years – 49 Satan in lake of fire – 49 Satan loosed – 49 signs in sun, moon & stars – 48 white throne judgment – 50

interlocking pieces – 2, 47, 58, 59 assembled – 44 Described – 2 table – 59

interlocking puzzle pieces appendix – 47

introduction – 1

J

Jacob's trouble – 37 Jesus

Second Coming chapter – 16 judgment seat of Christ – 26

L

lake of fire – 13, 14, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 46, 49, 50 Satan in – 49

literal or figurative – 3 little horn – 3, 7, 13, 14

M

Maccabees – 8 mark of the Beast – 11, 13, 34, 37, 39, 40, 45, 49, 52, 54

explained – 37 marriage supper – 30, 46 Mattathias – 8 Millennium – 16, 18, 20, 23, 24, 25, 37, 38, 46, 49, 50, 58,

59 chapter – 24 details – 46 summary – 24

miscellaneous information chapter – 30

N

nations – 11, 13, 24, 25, 26, 38, 41, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 53, 54, 57, 59

new heaven & earth chapter – 28 details – 46 summary – 28

New Jerusalem – 26, 27, 28, 29, 38, 46, 50, 59

P

parable of wheat & tares – 38 persecution

of Christians – 33 persecution – 10 plagues – 2, 3, 6, 10, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 39,

40, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 58 compared, appendix – 51 explained – 40

preparing for End Times – 42 puzzle pieces – 2

appendix – 47 assemble (art) – 44

R

Rapture – 10, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 31, 32, 33, 39, 45, 47, 54, 55, 56, 57, 59

chapter – 18 Mid-Trib theory – 19 partial? – 31 Post-Trib theory – 20 Pre-Trib theory – 19 Rev. 4.1-6? – 31 secret & invisible? – 31 summary – 20 theories – 19 when? – 32 will there be one? – 31

resurrection – 26, 32, 45, 46, 57 retelling

in Book of Revelation – 57 Revelation, chart – 59

Index 62

Revelation chapter coverage chart – 59 retelling chart – 59 retelling in it – 57

S

salvation – 42 Satan bound, 1000 years

interlocking piece – 49 Satan in lake of fire

interlocking piece – 49 Satan loosed

interlocking piece – 49 scarlet beast – 58 seals – 39, 40, 58

explained – 39 Second Coming – 16, 18, 31

chapter – 16 second death – 26, 27, 29, 46, 50 seven plagues – 6, 10, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 40, 46, 49, 51,

52, 54, 58 compared, appendix – 51 explained – 40

seven seals – 39, 58 explained – 39

sign posts chapter – 5

signs in sun, moon & stars appendix – 55 interlocking piece – 48

Syrians – 9

T

tares & wheat parable – 38

temple rebuilt? – 32

thief in the night explained – 33

three woes explained – 40

time, times, and half a time – 11, 35 time-line chart – 43 transition events – 59

table – 59 trib to wrath – 45

tribulation or wrath chapter – 6

tribulation to wrath transition events – 45

two witnesses explained – 40

U

using this book – 4

W

weeks of Daniel – 35 wheat & tares

parable – 38 white throne judgment – 16, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 46, 49, 50,

58, 59 chapter – 26 details – 46 interlocking piece – 50 summary – 26

will there be a Rapture? – 31 Witnesses

two, explained – 40 woes

explained – 40 works – 5, 26, 27, 38, 42, 48, 50, 53 Wrath of God – 2, 3, 6, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,

21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 31, 32, 37, 38, 39, 40, 45, 46, 48, 49, 51, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59

chapter – 22 details – 46 Distinguished – 6 summary – 22

wrath or tribulation chapter – 6